Tag Archives: veterans

Photo Essay:  New Congressional Cemetery Tradition Debuted Saturday

by Larry Janezich

Posted December 16, 2024

Saturday marked the debut of a new annual ceremonial tradition at Congressional Cemetery with the remembrance of fallen veterans and those who continue to serve in the U.S. Armed Forces.  For the first time ever, the cemetery participated in a national ceremony and laying of wreaths on the graves of those who have served in every branch of the United States military.  Wreaths Across America is a nonprofit organization founded to continue and expand the annual wreath-laying ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery begun in 1992.  On Saturday, more than two million volunteers gathered nation-wide to “Remember, Honor, and Teach” at more than 4,600 participating locations in all 50 states.  https://www.wreathsacrossamerica.org/

There are over 1,700 veterans from almost every American armed conflict dating back to the American Revolution interred at historic Congressional Cemetery and volunteers placed 350 wreaths on veteran’s graves.  Wreaths were donated by community members who ordered them online on the Wreaths Across America website at $17 each.               

The ceremony came to Congressional Cemetery owing to the efforts of Jim Guckert, founder and Executive Director of Guerrilla Gardeners DC.  After volunteering for wreath-laying in Arlington National Cemetery, Guckert thought that Congressional Cemetery warranted its own service.  He put Wreaths Across America in conversation with representatives of Congressional Cemetery and Saturday’s first commemoration event was the result.

Wreaths Across America’s community partners in the effort included the DC National Guard, Post 46 – The American Legion, The Judge Lynn Chapter of the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution, and Guerrilla Gardeners of Washington DC. 

In remarks, A.J. Orlikoff, Director of Programming, Historic Congressional Cemetery, cited President Lincoln’s address on the purpose of the struggle to the 166th Ohio Regiment who were visiting the White House on August 22, 1864. 

“It is not merely for to-day, but for all time to come that we should perpetuate for our children’s children this great and free government, which we have enjoyed all our lives. I beg you to remember this, not merely for my sake, but for yours…. The nation is worth fighting for, to secure such an inestimable jewel.”

Here are wreaths for each branch of the United States Armed Forces, waiting placement.

Veterans of the Armed Forces selected to place the wreaths in front of the American Flag in the center of the veterans’ section of Congressional Cemetery. 

The wreaths after placement.

After the ceremony, the volunteers split up into four groups to lay wreaths, each assigned a section of the cemetery.  Section leader Guckert led his group to a pile of wreaths – nearby   was the grave of gay activist Leonard Matlovich who was the first gay service member to purposely out himself to the military to fight their ban on gays. 

Guckert hands out wreaths to volunteers. 

Coast Guard veteran Denise Krepp lays a wreath on Matlovich’s grave. 

For more on The Association for the Preservation of Historic Congressional Cemetery and how to join it, go here:  https://congressionalcemetery.org/

For more on Guerrilla Gardeners DC and how to join, go here:  https://guerrillagardenersdc.org/