BAY PINES, Fla. — Remember the fallen, honor those who serve and teach the next generation the value of freedom. This is the mission of Wreaths Across America.

What You Need To Know

Wreaths Across America is a mission to remember the fallen and honor those who served

Thomas Schooley participates annually, inspired by his late mother who passed in 2020

Fundraising efforts helped place 8,500 wreaths at Bay Pines National Cemetery this year

Organizers hope to continue increasing the number of wreaths with community support

For Thomas Schooley, it has become a yearly tradition.

“When I found out that this happens, I signed up the very first year after my mom passed,” he said.

Schooley’s mom died from cancer in 2020.

Her name, Betty, is written along with Schooley’s stepfather, Paul, at the cemetery.

Schooley is one of dozens of people who place wreaths across these markers to honor all those who served our country.

“I come out here at least once a month,” he said. “I try to do it every other week and just sit and have a talk with her.”

Ronalee Klase, the Bay Pines coordinator for Wreaths Across America, said she’s grateful to every person who donated to purchase these wreaths.

Still, with the number they have, they have to spread the wreaths one for every four veterans.

“We don’t have quite as many wreaths here as I would like to see, but we have a good showing,” she said.

Klase said there are 35,000 graves at Bay Pines National Cemetery.

Last year, 5,000 wreaths were laid at veterans’ graves.

It’s this number that inspired Schooley to reach out and try to increase the number of wreaths available.

“I made it my point this year to ask for donations from my group,” he said in reference to the Facebook group, THUNDER BOLTS. “We raised $4,000.”

Thanks to that money and all the others who donated, there were 8,500 wreaths laid this year.

While it’s still less than they like, Klase said she’s focusing on making sure the community understands what makes this so special.

“It’s just a way to say we love you, we miss you, and we wish you were here,” she said.

For those interested in contributing for 2026, click here.