Hundreds of wreaths placed on veterans’ graves in Valentine for Wreaths Across America

VALENTINE, Neb. — In single-digit temperatures Saturday, volunteers gathered at Mt. Hope Cemetery in Valentine to honor those who served, placing hundreds of wreaths on veterans’ graves as part of the national Wreaths Across America effort.

Among them was 7-year-old Isa Foster, bundled in layers and helping her family continue a tradition they’ve made a priority each December.

“I feel like it’s satisfying,” Isa said.

Her mom say the cold weather and busy schedules don’t outweigh the importance of the day.

“We had a lot of other things going on,” said her mother, Julie Foster. “We skipped basketball. We skipped Cabin Fever for 4-H to prioritize this.”

The Valentine ceremony was one of thousands held nationwide. Wreaths Across America began in 1992, when a Maine wreath maker used leftover wreaths to honor veterans at Arlington National Cemetery. The effort gained national attention in 2005 after photos of snow-covered graves adorned with wreaths spread widely, turning a small gesture into a coast-to-coast tradition.

The mission, organizers say, is simple: remember the fallen, honor those who serve, and teach the next generation the value of that service.

“To honor and respect those veterans who gave us the freedoms we have today,” said Master of Ceremonies Rex Gallino.

In Valentine, the meaning is personal for many families. Isa helped place a wreath on the grave of her great-grandfather, one of several veterans in her family.

“My dad served, my grandpa, and my great-uncle,” Julie said. “My husband’s grandpa served, too. This is a way I can give back to those who did.”

After the ceremony, Isa wrote a short note reflecting on the day. While she’s still learning how to spell the word “veteran,” her family says the lesson behind it is already taking hold.

“It’s beautiful out here when you drive through, and all of the graves have some kind of tribute and remembrance,” Julie said.