NORTH EAST, Md. — On Dec. 14, 2024, the Calvert County community will gather to honor veterans as part of the annual Wreaths Across America initiative. This heartfelt event, organized locally by Rising Sun High School student Reed Mason, will take place at the Rosebank Cemetery, Brick Meeting House Cemetery, and East Nottingham Friends Cemetery. It represents a moving effort to remember fallen heroes, honor those who served, and teach the next generation about the sacrifices made for our freedom.
Reed Mason, a local 4-H member and the driving force behind the initiative, began organizing the event last year as part of her 4-H Diamond Clover Level 6 Project. Inspired by her grandfather, who is buried at the Rosebank Cemetery, Mason was motivated to ensure that veterans in the Calvert and Rising Sun areas received the recognition they deserve. Her project is now entering its second year and has already garnered widespread community support.
A Day of Reflection and Gratitude
The ceremonies will commence at 12 p.m. on Dec. 14, with wreath placement immediately following. Families, friends, and volunteers from across Calvert County are invited to participate in honoring the 330 veterans laid to rest at the Rosebank Cemetery and Brick Meeting House Cemetery.
Through Mason’s leadership, 176 wreaths have already been sponsored for this year’s event at Rosebank, reaching over 53% of the goal. However, more wreaths are still needed to ensure every veteran’s grave is adorned. Similarly, efforts at East Nottingham Friends Cemetery are in full swing, with 141 wreaths sponsored so far, meeting 40% of the target.
How to Get Involved
Community members are encouraged to participate in several ways:
- Sponsor a wreath: A $17 donation sponsors a wreath, ensuring that each veteran’s grave is properly recognized. Sponsorships can be made through the Wreaths Across America website.
- Volunteer: Volunteers are invited to join in the wreath placement ceremonies to help honor the veterans.
- Spread the word: Encourage friends, family, and neighbors to attend the event or sponsor a wreath.
A Legacy of Service
Mason’s efforts are part of the larger Wreaths Across America mission, which began in 1992 when Morrill Worcester of Maine donated surplus wreaths to Arlington National Cemetery. What started as a small act of gratitude has grown into a nationwide movement, with over 3,700 participating locations and millions of wreaths placed each December.
This year’s efforts in Calvert County are not just about honoring veterans but also about fostering a deeper understanding of their sacrifices. Mason’s personal connection to the project—her grandfather, Henry Mason, a U.S. military veteran who passed away in 2017—is a poignant reminder of the event’s significance.
Making an Impact
As the Dec. 14 date approaches, the community is rallying together to ensure the event’s success. Mason’s determination has brought national attention to this local initiative, with Norfolk Southern announcing a matching campaign for veteran wreath sponsorships at other locations, up to $100,000.
The Wreaths Across America Mobile Education Exhibit, which travels the country raising awareness, also highlights the importance of such efforts.
A Community United
Wreaths Across America serves as a powerful reminder that freedom is not free, and honoring those who gave their all is a responsibility shared by us all. This year, Calvert County residents will once again demonstrate their unwavering gratitude for those who served by coming together in remembrance, honor, and education.
To sponsor a wreath, volunteer, or learn more about the event, visit the official Wreaths Across America website.
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