Christmas is a time for wreaths signifying the joy of the season, but it is also a time of wreaths with a meaning of solemnity and gratitude. Saturday, Dec. 16 is Wreaths Across America Day, a day established by the nonprofit of the same name to “remember fallen U.S. veterans, honor those who serve and teach your children the value of freedom.”

In honor of this day, the people of Wareham will meet the day prior, on Friday, Dec. 15, to lay wreaths at locations across town, starting at Town Green across from WCTV headquarters at the intersection of Main Street and Gibbs Avenue. The laying of wreaths will culminate at the National Cemetery in Bourne. There, a wreath will be placed on the Heroes Circle Monument at the entrance of the property.

The effort is headed by the WarehamPost of the American Legion, the Wareham-New Bedford Lodge of the Elks #73 and the Wareham Garden Club. 

Each year, the Garden Club provides the handmade wreaths, with red, white and blue, stars and stripes, ribbons and poppies. 

Those interested in participating are asked to meet on Town Green at 8:30 a.m. on Friday, Dec. 15.