HELENA, Mont. — On Saturday, December 18, 2021, Americans across the country and around the world will celebrate National Wreaths Across America Day by holding wreath-laying ceremonies at more than 2,500 locations in all 50 states, at sea and abroad. Held each December, Wreaths Across America has a mission to “Remember, Honor and Teach,” according to the organization’s website.

The Montana state capitol held a precursor to the weekend event on Monday in the rotunda. The program included an invocation, Pledge of Allegiance and National Anthem, and address about the Wreaths Across America program. John Quintrell, former staff sergeant in the U.S. Army, presented Wreaths Across America’s “Remember, Honor and Teach” mission, which expands to: Remember our fallen U.S. veterans; Honor those who serve; Teach your children the value of freedom.

Quintrell then helped place the capitol rotunda wreath, which remains on display in the rotunda.

Montana Secretary of State Christi Jacobsen attended Monday’s event.

“What a wonderful tribute to our veterans,” stated Secretary Jacobsen. “We will forever be in debt to our veterans and their families for their service, commitment, and sacrifices. We are proud to honor and remember those who protect our freedoms. Thank you to John Quintrell, Jane Lee Hamman, and all of the organizers of Monday’s event in the rotunda.”

On Saturday, December 18, 2021, a Wreaths Across America honor service will be held at Fort William Henry Harrison. The event is scheduled to begin at 10 a.m. Following the honor service, more than 1,000 wreaths will be placed at the Montana State Veterans Cemetery in celebration of National Wreaths Across America Day.

National Wreaths Across America Day was created by Morrill Worcester in 1992 with the placing of wreaths at Arlington National Cemetery.