Wreaths Across America and other Patriotic and Veteran Programs
Join us as we hear from Patrick Wesolosky, President of the Kentucky Society, Sons of the American Revolution about the Wreaths Across America’s mission to remember, honor and teach as well as other programs of The Lafayette Chapter, Kentucky Society, Sons of the American Revolution that honors our Revolutionary War patriot ancestors by promoting patriotism, serving our communities, educating and inspiring future generations about the founding principles of our Country.
The Lexington National Cemetery has approximately 70,000 people interned there and about 1,500 of them are veterans. In 2023, Patrick Wesolosky then President of the Lafayette Chapter and other Lafayette Chapter members worked to organize hundreds of volunteers who gathered at Lexington National Cemetery to pay respect to those who fought for our country but are no longer with us through our inaugural Wreaths Across America program.
Wreaths Across America relies on the generosity of sponsors to offset the cost of each wreath while volunteers make sure that each grave gets a wreath and a heartfelt “thank you” for their service. The wreaths are far more than mere adornments. They are symbols of gratitude and reverence. Each headstone speaks to the enduring legacy of those who answered the call to defend the freedoms we cherish.
Last year, the Lafayette Chapter collaborated with Henry Clay High School’s Army JROTC program to present the wreath laying ceremony. Every veteran grave at the National Cemetery had a wreath placed upon it by a member of the JROTC or those attending the ceremony because of the Lexington community’s generosity. Speaking at that event, Ret. Gen. Charles Gorton asserted that, “By holding this ceremony, we honor those who served and those who still serve, willing to risk their lives so that we can live in a free society made up with many people, many races and many walks of life.”
We hope you will consider joining the Lafayette Chapter at the next Wreaths Across America annual wreath-laying ceremony held noon on December 13, 2025, at Lexington National Cemetery. This ceremony has become an annual holiday reveille call that pays tribute to all those who served in our Nation’s Military to preserve our freedom.
Recent Updates
Aug. 6- J Batt, Athletic Director, University of Kentucky
July 23- Mary Quinn Ramer, President, VisitLex, and Lisa Brin, Lead, FilmLEX
July 9 – Installation of Officers and Directors and 2026-27 President’s Vision for the New Year
June 25 – President’s Day, A Year to Remember!
Lexington Rotarians Attend Rotary International Conference in Taipei, Taiwan