Rest Haven Memorial Park in Rockwall will honor more than 1,100 veterans buried there with evergreen wreaths on Dec. 19 as part of the national Wreaths Across America observance.
The ceremony begins at 11 a.m., followed by wreath placement at veterans' graves throughout the cemetery, according to a feature in Best Version Media's local magazine.
The 2026 ceremony brings a leadership change. Kathy DiNuovo has taken over as program leader at Rest Haven, succeeding Capt. Mary Kay Starnes. Starnes brought Wreaths Across America to Rest Haven in 2015 and led the local effort for 10 years, growing it into an annual tradition that draws volunteers, families, businesses and community organizations.
The tradition dates to 1992, when Maine wreath-maker Morrill Worcester placed surplus wreaths at Arlington National Cemetery. The effort became a nonprofit in 2007 and now coordinates ceremonies at thousands of veterans' cemeteries across all 50 states, according to the BVM feature.
How to take part
Residents can sponsor a wreath, volunteer to place wreaths or attend the Dec. 19 ceremony at Rest Haven Memorial Park. Details are available at wreathsacrossamerica.org.
Upcoming:
- Saturday, Dec. 19 — Wreaths Across America ceremony, Rest Haven Memorial Park, Rockwall. Ceremony at 11 a.m., wreath placement to follow.
