Wreaths Across America Fundraiser Planned at Hilldale Cemetery: Here’s How to Sponsor a Wreath

A previous Wreaths Across America ceremony at Hilldale Cemetery. (Courtesy photograph.)

The Wreaths Across America program returns to Hilldale Cemetery on Dec. 15. (Courtesy photograph)

Haverhill’s Hilldale Cemetery wants to lay a wreath on the graves of each of the veterans buried there this December, but needs the community’s help to do so. As part of the Wreaths Across America fundraiser, locals may sponsor a wreath ahead of the wreath laying ceremony planned for Saturday, Dec. 15.

Organizer Tammy Dobrosielski offered an update on the effort at Tuesday’s City Council meeting, announcing that $15 wreath sponsorships are now available for purchase online.

Started in 1992 by Maine’s Morrill and Karen Worcester, Wreaths Across America first came to Haverhill last year, when Dobrosielski and a group of volunteers laid 231 wreaths graveside, with the city’s contribution going toward the 1.5 million laid nationwide.

According to President of the Hilldale Cemetery Association Tom Spitalere, Hilldale is home to approximately 1,000 veteran graves, 471 of which are Civil War soldiers alone. This is Haverhill’s way to pay tribute, Dobrosielski said.

“We have Veteran’s Day in the fall, and Memorial Day in the spring, but this holiday season, many homes across Haverhill and around our great nation will have an empty place at their table for one who is serving or one who has made the ultimate sacrifice,” Dobrosielski said.

In addition to wreath sponsorships, residents can donate their time to lay wreaths, lend a hand with the ceremony, or offer food donations for the ceremony’s reception. For more information on the effort, call 978-305-2239 or visit the Hope for Hilldale Cemetery page on Facebook.