For Families
The United States Department of Veteran Affairs provides a locator tool for the burial locations of veterans.
The Stories
In the hallowed halls of memory, the stories of fallen soldiers resonate as a testament to the unyielding strength and sacrifice of families touched by valor and loss. Here, within the embrace of cherished memories, we honor and celebrate the lives of our brave servicemen and women, whose selfless dedication to duty has left an indelible mark on our hearts.
These families, bound together by love and resilience, bravely weave narratives of heroism and humanity, preserving the legacy of their departed loved ones. Through tears and laughter, they recount tales of courage on distant battlefields, unwavering loyalty to their comrades, and the unwritten chapters of lives taken too soon.
Within these touching recollections, we find solace, pride, and an eternal bond that connects us to those who answered the call of duty and now rest in eternal peace. Their stories live on, etched in the annals of history, a poignant reminder of the profound impact of a soldier's life on their families and a nation forever grateful.
Gallery
FAQ
Do I have to sign up to participate or where do I sign up to participate?
Can I bring my kids?
Children of all ages are welcome on event day/laying of the wreaths. We do limit the age of children to 9th grade and up for the wreath workshop and pick up days for safety reasons. We have trucks, poles and forklifts about the rooms; therefore, we ask that only the older kids participate on those days
Do I bring my own wreath for my spouse/father/mother, etc.?
Christmas Honors ensure each year that there will be a wreath available to be placed on the headstones of every veteran laid to rest at the cemetery. You are most welcome to replace the CH wreath with your own wreath if you prefer. Our objective is simply to show honor and gratitude for all that served.
Can I park in the cemetery near the headstone of my loved one?
If you have been to the Fort Smith National Cemetery, you know there is limited space for parking inside the cemetery. On event day, we will have thousands of volunteers from the community walking the grounds, which limits the space even more. We ask that if you can physically walk, please park across the street at the convention center and walk across the street to the cemetery. If you have a handicap parking pass or are with an elderly/disabled individual, we invite you to park in the cemetery. We want everyone to be able to enjoy the day and ask that we each do our part to be considerate of others.
May I come early on the event day to place a wreath on my family member’s grave if I can’t come during the time allotted?
We designate the morning hours before the ceremony on event day for family members to lay wreaths. Our hours are reflective of when the CH team will be on site at the event. If you need to come earlier, you are welcome to do so. Please just place on your family's headstones only so that others may do the same.
Do I lay a wreath on both sides of the headstone?
If both people are veterans, then yes. If not, please only place a wreath on the veteran's side. CH orders wreaths based on the number of veterans laid to rest, therefore if wreaths are placed on the spouses that did not serve, we will not have enough wreaths for the veterans.
How do I place the wreath?
The Fort Smith National Cemetery has strict guidelines that we must follow to protect the headstones. The wreaths are to BE LEANED at a 45-degree angle against the stone. They are NOT to be laid flat in front of the headstone or wrapped on top.