WINSTON WEEKLY©[1]

December 14, 2025

Vol. 3, No. 50

RESILIENCE OF WREATHS[2]

Yesterday, thousands gathered for Wreaths Across America in hundreds of locations across the country, at sea, and abroad. In doing so, wreaths brought together people from all walks of life. To remember the fallen. To honor those who serve. Executive Director Karen Worcester said in part, “There will always be challenges to overcome as individuals, communities and a country, but we must keep moving forward together.” Wreaths are a reminder of the cycles of life. A symbol of strength and protection. Of peace, hope, honor, and remembrance.

The evergreen’s ability to remain resilient even in the harshest conditions is but one of winter’s wonders. The balsam firs in Maine are used in Wreaths Across America. Each is hand-tied with a velvet bow and then shipped across the country to be placed at military graves. Now in its 20^th year, nearly three million wreaths are placed by military gravestones during the first or second Saturday in December.

Wreaths have endured through the centuries. “Wreath” derives from the Old English version of “band.” Leaves were woven into ancient clothing, stamped on medallions, or worn as on the head to reflect victory, achievement, and/or status. In Italy, university graduates still wear Laurel wreaths. Although the Laurel wreath is often associated with the original Olympic Games, the wreaths, known as kotinos, were from an olive tree. The Laurel wreath later became prominent in Ancient Greece, and was awarded to great scholars, soldiers, and artists in addition to athletes.

WEEKLY ACTIVITY

Create a wreath for a non-profit organization, a teacher, a medical provider, a military family, or someone important to you. Deliver it with a note, picture, or poem that reflects strength, peace, and/ or hope. This is also a great activity to do with a friend, child, or other family member.

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[1] A Sunday newsletter and blog by Alysen Bayles to be shared with the appropriate attribute.

[2]Resources: Wreaths Across America, www.wreathsacrossamerica.org; Geoffrey Batchen, Forget Me Not: Photography and Remembrance, Princeton Architectural Press, 2006; Robert Graves, Greek Gods and Heroes, Laurel Leaf Publishing, 1965; Samuel Dickinson Burchard, The Laurel Wreath, Palala Press, 2016.