On 13 December, members of the USS District of Columbia Commissioning Committee supported Wreaths Across America. Committee volunteers joined Legionnaires from DC's National Defense Post 46, The American Legion, to remember and honor nearly 1,800 Veterans, from every American war, interred at the Historic Congressional Cemetery. This is the second year the Historic Congressional Cemetery participated in the national nonprofit Wreaths Across America’s yearlong mission to "Remember, Honor, Teach".
With its first burial in 1807, Historic Congressional Cemetery is among the oldest institutions in Washington, DC, and is the final resting place of over 70,000 individuals. Their stories are American history in microcosm, all in 35 acres of the nation’s capital. Still an active burial ground, it is the only place in Washington where individuals can be buried at a site directly on Pierre L’Enfant’s 18th century city plan.
In addition to American Legion National Defense Post #46, Department of the District of Columbia, the Guerrilla Gardeners of Washington DC, Eastern Market Main Street, and the Judge Lynn Chapter – Daughters of the American Revolution co-sponsored 2025’s wreath laying at the Historic Congressional Cemetery.
A.J. Orlikoff, Director of Programming, Historic Congressional Cemetery, makes remarks to Volunteers gathered to lay wreaths on Veterans’ graves.
The day began with an inspirational ceremony, including remarks from the Historic Congressional Cemetery leadership and the DC National Guard. Military members placed wreaths in front of Christ Church honoring each of the Armed Forces before volunteers spread out to lay over 600 wreaths on Veterans graves.
Close up of the Navy wreath
DC National Guardsman plays Taps during the moving Historic Congressional Cemetery’s Wreaths Across America ceremony.
Commissioning Committee Members Beth Klein, who also serves as the Executive Director, National Capital Council of the Navy League; Joe Spruill, who also serves as the Commander, DC’s National Defense Post 46; and Susan Chiaravalle were just a few of the three million plus Volunteers and Supporters who gathered at more than 5,200 participating locations in all 50 states, at sea, and abroad in support of National Wreaths Across America, December 13, 2025.
DC’s National Defense Post 46 Legionnaires and their families as well as members of the USS District of Columbia Commissioning Committee laid wreaths in the section of the Historic Congressional Cemetery nicknamed “Little Arlington.” This section includes the graves of many Veterans, particularly those with the standard military grave markers, giving it an appearance similar to Arlington National Cemetery, hence the nickname, “Little Arlington.”
Wreaths laid at Veterans graves in “Little Arlington,” Historic Congressional Cemetery.
Honoring and recognizing yesterday's, today's, and tomorrow's Veterans is central to the mission of the USS District of Columbia Commissioning Committee.
Wreaths Across America emphasizes that a person truly dies the last time their name is spoken. As a result, Volunteers are instructed to say the Veteran’s name out loud as they place the wreath, thank the service member for their sacrifice and acknowledge their life, ensuring they aren’t forgotten to create a personal connection and keep the legacy of the fallen alive. “Private Phillip Bruck, U.S. Marine Corps, thank you. Today we honor your service and sacrifices made on our behalf so we live in freedom today. Thank you, too, for representing the District of Columbia. We’d like to let you know that today and for the next 40+ years, the men and women of the USS District of Columbia are honored to continue the legacy of your service and that of every other DC Veteran.”
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