Two National Veteran Service Nonprofits Recommit to Long-standing Partnership
Wreaths Across America (WAA) and American Gold Star Mothers, Inc. (AGSM), announce a recommittal to the formal partnership the two nonprofits established in 2016.
An updated memorandum of understanding (MOU) was signed by both organizations’ leadership on Saturday, Dec. 7, 2024, the day before the annual escort to Arlington kicked off in Maine. The agreement outlines several key areas, such as collaborative volunteer efforts and fundraising in communities across the country; a weekly interview segment for AGSM on Wreaths Across America Radio; and naming Wreaths Across America Radio an exclusive media partner for AGSM’s annual convention each June; among the re-establishment of collaboration in the existing partnership.
Founded in 2007 and headquartered in Columbia Falls, Maine, WAA’s yearlong mission is to Remember the fallen, Honor those who serve and Teach the next generation the value of freedom. AGSM was established in 1928 and chartered by the U.S. Congress in 1984 with the core purpose of supporting families of fallen and wounded soldiers, teaching lessons of patriotism and inspiring respect for the country.
“Over the years, I’ve learned so much from our nation’s Gold Star families and am grateful for AGSM’s support of the mission all these years,” said Karen Worcester, executive director of WAA. “Both organizations have evolved and grown over the last eight years, so the recommittal of our partnership is both timely and important as our combined efforts will no doubt help to shape and inform the next generation of patriots.”
“Wreaths Across America’s mission perfectly aligns with AGSM’s mission. We are proud to partner with their army of volunteers across the country,” said Patti Elliott, National President, American Gold Star Mothers, Inc., and mother of SPC Daniel “Lucas” Elliott, KIA Basra, Iraq, 7/15/2011. “What started as one man’s generous gesture to honor heroes at Arlington has become a nationwide movement to ensure all our servicemembers are remembered and to educate all about the sacrifices our brave men and women are making every day.”
Follow the impactful stories of service and sacrifice as shared by Gold Star families by tuning in to Wreaths Across America Radio, available on the iHeart Radio app, TuneIn, and the Audacy app, or listen at www.wreathsacrossamerica.org/radio. Wreaths Across America Radio regularly features Gold Star mothers. You can catch up on past interviews or listen anytime on the Wreaths Radio SoundCloud page.
National Wreaths Across America Day will be held this year on Saturday, December 13, 2025. This free event is open to all, and the organization encourages community members to participate by volunteering locally or sponsoring a wreath for an American hero.