A Powerful Wreaths Across America Moment Awaits in Athens

Some people talk about supporting our Veterans, and then there are people like my friend Alisha. Her heart for our heroes is one of the biggest and most genuine I’ve ever known. For years, she's not just shown up to events that honor Veterans. She's helped plan them, organize them, and made sure every detail reflects the respect our service members deserve.

Alisha's own hero was her dad, Chief Petty Officer Kevin Lee of Sayre. Kevin served with the Seabees in the United States Navy and retired after a career built on dedication, grit, and service. When he passed away suddenly and unexpectedly in June of 2023, the loss shook everyone who loved him. But for Alisha, honoring his legacy became a mission rooted in love, gratitude, and determination.

Honoring Her Father in a Meaningful Way

For years, Alisha traveled to Bath National Cemetery every December, joining hundreds of volunteers for Wreaths Across America. Together, they laid wreaths on the graves of fallen heroes, whispering thank you with each placement. It was a tradition she held close to her heart.

When Alisha's father was laid to rest in Tioga Point Cemetery in Athens, something immediately struck her: that cemetery didn’t host a Wreaths Across America ceremony. Her dad deserved that honor. Every Veteran buried there deserved it. And Alisha wasn’t about to let another December pass without bringing that level of remembrance to their final resting place.

So she rolled up her sleeves, gathered information, talked to the right people, and spearheaded an effort that would bring Wreaths Across America to Tioga Point Cemetery for the very first time. Her heart led the way, and the community followed.

What Wreaths Across America Is All About

For anyone unfamiliar, Wreaths Across America is a nationwide effort dedicated to remembering our fallen heroes, honoring those who serve, and teaching the next generation the value of sacrifice. Every December, families gather in cemeteries across the country to place fresh balsam wreaths on the graves of Veterans. It’s peaceful. It’s emotional. It’s powerful in a way that’s hard to describe until you’ve stood among the headstones yourself.

The mission goes beyond the wreaths. It’s about ensuring no Veteran is forgotten. It’s about standing together in gratitude. And it’s about giving our kids a hands-on way to understand the cost of freedom.

A Beautiful Tradition That Honors or Heroes

Wreaths Across America is more than an event. It’s a moment for families to come together in the spirit of remembrance. Kids get to learn something meaningful. Parents get to share the importance of service. And communities get to reaffirm that honoring our Veterans isn’t a once-a-year obligation. It’s a commitment.

Alisha’s family has always shown up for veterans, and now she’s created a space where other families in Athens can do the same. Whether you come with children, parents, neighbors, or simply your own thoughts and gratitude, you’ll walk away feeling connected to something bigger.

 One Mission: Honor Them

This year, Wreaths Across America will hold a ceremony at Tioga Point Cemetery in Athens, Pennsylvania. The mission is simple but powerful: remember their sacrifice and honor their lives. The ceremony at Tioga Point Cemetery will take place on December 13, 2025, at 12:00 p.m., with wreath placement immediately afterward.

You can sponsor a wreath or come help place them with the community. Every wreath laid is a moment of gratitude, a quiet “we remember,” and a gift to the families whose loved ones served.

How You Can Take Part  in Wreaths Across America

Whether you’ve laid wreaths for years or you’re considering joining for the first time, your presence matters. You can volunteer, bring your family, or sponsor a wreath (for only $17!). Each wreath placed ensures a Veteran is honored, remembered, and seen.

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Alisha’s heart and her father’s legacy have sparked something truly beautiful. And this December, Athens will come together because of it. If you can be part of it, I promise the experience will stay with you long after you leave the cemetery.