COLUMBIA, SC — Hundreds of thousands of wreaths will be placed on the graves of military Veterans and loved ones throughout the nation and South Carolina during the upcoming Wreaths Across America Day scheduled for Saturday, December 13, 2025.

On Monday, December 8, the Wreaths Across America South Carolina team opened a week-long series of events honoring our nation’s fallen during the annual State House remembrance ceremony.

Wreaths Across America Location Coordinator, Olivia Varner, used the opening ceremony to underscore the cost of freedom and the sacrifices made not only by service members, but by the families who stand behind them. 

“We thank those who gave their lives to keep us free. Our flag does not fly because the wind moves it. It flies with the last breath of each patriotic warrior who died protecting it,” Varner said.

During the ceremony, organizers dedicated a wreath to all South Carolina Veterans and to the 93,129 U.S. service members still listed as Prisoners of War or Missing in Action.

South Carolina’s Adjutant General, Maj. Gen. Robin Stilwell, and Deputy Adjutant General, Maj. Gen. Jeffery Jones, then presented the first wreath in what will become a national effort over the coming week to remember and honor fallen heroes.

Wreaths Across America Location Organizer Mike Brown closed the program by urging the public to take part in the culminating event: National Wreaths Across America Day, this Saturday, December 13. More than 143 locations across South Carolina will participate.

Residents are encouraged to attend a ceremony, volunteer, or sponsor a wreath. Find a participating location or donate at: Wreaths Across America

To see more photos from the ceremony click here.

KEY CEREMONIES:

Fort Jackson National Cemetery - Columbia

Beaufort National Cemetery - Beaufort

Florence National Cemetery - Florence

M.J. Dolly Cooper Veterans Cemetery - Anderson