This weekend, Americans from coast to coast will take a brief hiatus from their beloved holiday activities. From baking and decorating Christmas cookies, trimming the tree, and enjoying the many exciting and indulgent festivities in between, communities will bundle up and participate in an American tradition of honoring veterans who have passed on by placing wreaths at their final resting places.

Evidence of the desire to visit and beautify these markers dates back to the Stone Age and is considered a distinct characteristic of human nature. In the United States, the practice of decorating military graves became especially prominent after the Civil War. “Decoration Day” was established in May 1868 and encouraged Americans to leave flowers on military memorials and gravesites. This tradition eventually evolved into what is now Memorial Day. 

The specific and widespread practice of leaving wreaths in military cemeteries, however, began in 1992 when a small family-owned wreath company and group of volunteers donated and delivered 5,000 Christmas wreaths to Arlington National Cemetery. The evergreen wreaths served as symbols of longevity and unity, adorned with bright red ribbons. 

This act of patriotism and kindness blossomed, garnering national attention until Wreaths Across America organized into an inspiring nonprofit. Every year, I am pleased the Senate undertakes a bipartisan effort to recognize the value of honoring those who have served by designating an annual National Wreaths Across America Day that will occur this year on December 13. Thousands of Arkansans will proudly participate, joining one another at the Little Rock National Cemetery – where veterans within the many Arkansas Area Cemeteries across the state will be symbolically honored – as well as the Fayetteville National Cemetery and the Birdeye State Veterans Cemetery in Cross County.

Natural State residents have long participated in similar traditions, including my hometown of Fort Smith’s Christmas Honors. This yearly event has connected veterans, volunteers and community members in a meaningful way to demonstrate appreciation for those who have served.

I was pleased to support Christmas Honors’ mission when the recent government shutdown prevented the Department of Veterans Affairs from processing or approving requests for ceremonies and events. Working with my colleagues on the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee, we submitted inquiries and sought guidance on behalf of the organization. Fortunately, when the government reopened, Christmas Honors could continue as planned.

As chairman of the Senate Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies (MilCon-VA) Appropriations Subcommittee, I work to secure sufficient funding for the preservation, establishment, expansion and upkeep of our military cemeteries and monuments. It was an honor to lead provisions now passed into law that provide $118.8 million for Arlington National Cemetery’s 7,000 burial services, 3,000 public wreath-laying ceremonies, and 3 million visitors. Further, we secured $110 million for the American Battle Monuments Commission to support the 26 permanent American military cemeteries and 32 federal memorials, monuments and markers that honor the service and sacrifice of American military personnel who died overseas.

It is important that the sacrifices of our departed servicemembers are not forgotten, especially during the Christmas season.

In previous years, I have had the privilege of participating in ceremonies held at Fort Smith and Fayetteville National Cemeteries, and many of my staff members also attend tributes to our fallen heroes. By taking the time to honor them, we can shape a grateful culture and demonstrate lasting appreciation for those currently serving in uniform and veteran communities who safeguard our nation and make it possible to celebrate the holidays in peace and comfort.