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Marblehead’s Wreaths Across America organizers say the town has set a new fundraising record, surpassing its goal of honoring every veteran laid to rest in local cemeteries during the national remembrance ceremony on Dec. 13.
This year’s effort, led by Marblehead mothers Emily DeJoy and Kim Crowley, reached its original target of 2,500 wreaths, or $42,500, before climbing even higher this week. In a text message Tuesday to the Independent, DeJoy reported that the total had passed the milestone, later adding the latest count is “Over 2700!”
The accomplishment caps months of grassroots work that began when the two women learned Marblehead risked losing its place in Wreaths Across America, a national program in which volunteers lay balsam wreaths on veterans’ graves and speak each name aloud. In October, DeJoy said she and Crowley “were heartbroken” at the possibility the town might not participate this year, writing, “Honoring our veterans is something deeply important to both of us, and we couldn’t bear the thought of Marblehead’s heroes being forgotten during the holidays.”
Marblehead first returned to the program last December, when nearly 100 volunteers placed more than 2,000 wreaths at Waterside Cemetery and other burial grounds. The ceremony began at the renovated gazebo at Waterside, where then-organizer Theresa Collins reminded attendees, “We are not here today to decorate graves. We are here to remember their lives.”
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This year’s fundraising success marks the largest community response since the tradition was revived. The momentum followed several high-energy events, including a packed fundraiser at VFW Post 2005, where supporters filled the room for raffles, music and donations. Organizers publicly thanked the VFW team afterward for their support, noting that “because of this amazing community, we’re getting closer every day to our goal of placing a wreath on every one of Marblehead’s 2,500 veteran graves this December.”
With the goal now exceeded, preparations for the coming week are underway. The unloading of the wreaths will take place Saturday, Dec. 6, at 6 a.m. at Waterside Cemetery, according to DeJoy. Volunteers are welcome to assist.
The formal Wreaths Across America ceremony will be held Saturday, Dec. 13, at 10 a.m. at Waterside, where Marblehead will join more than 3,100 communities nationwide in the annual tradition of remembrance.
