USU Joint Enlisted Association to Honor Fallen at Arlington Wreath-Laying

USU staff, faculty, and students will join the University’s Joint Enlisted Association (JEA) in the annual Wreaths Across America ceremony to remember the nation’s veterans.

Rows of white military headstones at Arlington National Cemetery adorned with green remembrance wreaths and red bows during the annual Wreaths Across America event.

USU staff, faculty, and students join thousands of volunteers at Arlington National Cemetery to place

remembrance wreaths on the graves of the nation’s fallen heroes. This annual tradition honors those who

serve and teaches the next generation the value of freedom. [DoD photo by Spc. Jacob Kohr, U.S. Army.

(Released)]

December 3, 2025 by Zachary Willis

On Saturday, Dec. 13, members of the Uniformed Services University’s (USU) Joint Enlisted Association (JEA) will join thousands of volunteers at Arlington National Cemetery for the annual Wreaths Across America ceremony. They will be accompanied by USU staff, faculty, students, and family members as they place remembrance wreaths on the graves of the nation’s fallen heroes.

Wreaths Across America is a national movement grounded in a three-part mission: remember the fallen, honor those who serve, and teach the next generation the value of freedom. What began in 1992 as a quiet tribute by Maine wreath maker Morrill Worcester has since grown into a nationwide tradition. Each December, volunteers gather at Arlington National Cemetery and more than 4,000 locations worldwide to lay wreaths at the gravesites of American service members.

Despite its size, the heart of the event remains deeply personal. Volunteers strive to place a wreath on as many veterans’ graves as possible, but the act itself goes beyond the gesture. The JEA emphasizes that each wreath-laying is an important exchange between the volunteer and the veteran.

A holiday wreath with a red bow rests against the white marble headstone of Major Audie L. Murphy at Arlington National Cemetery during the Wreaths Across America ceremony.

Army Maj. Audie Murphy, is one of thousands of veterans laid to rest at Arlington National Cemetery whose

grave will be honored during this year's Wreaths Across America event. Murphy, a former enlisted

servicemember, is described as the most decorated American combat soldier of World War II, and the

most highly decorated enlisted soldier in U.S. history. (U.S. Army photo by Staff Sgt. Brittany Primavera)

“It is a deeply moving experience that involves more than just placing a wreath,” the JEA statement reads. “Volunteers are encouraged to say the name of the veteran aloud as they place the wreath, taking a moment to thank them for their service and ensure that their sacrifice is never forgotten.”

The event also highlights the essential role of the enlisted force in preserving military culture and tradition. As the backbone of the armed forces, enlisted personnel often serve as custodians of unit history. By coordinating USU’s participation, the JEA provides a unique opportunity for the university’s commissioned medical, nursing, and graduate students to stand alongside enlisted staff. This hands-on service reflects the deep gratitude the USU community holds for those who have defended American freedoms.

For USU, participating in Wreaths Across America has become a meaningful way to conclude the year. The ceremony reinforces the University’s commitment to being a “force for good” while connecting its academic community to the generations of service members who came before them. Through their volunteer efforts, USU participants honor the fallen, carry forward their stories, and contribute to a national tradition of remembrance, respect, and reflection.