Wreaths Across America Returns to Roseburg National Cemetery December 19

ROSEBURG, Ore. - An annual tradition honoring veterans laid to rest in Douglas County will return next month as volunteers prepare to place thousands of wreaths at Roseburg National Cemetery.

The 2026 John Pierson Memorial Wreaths Across America event is scheduled for Saturday, December 19, bringing together local veterans, families, community organizations and volunteers for a day dedicated to remembering those who served in the United States Armed Forces.

The ceremony is part of National Wreaths Across America Day, an annual observance held at thousands of participating cemeteries across the country.

Thousands of Wreaths Already Accounted For

According to the official Wreaths Across America website, Roseburg National Cemetery has a coverage goal of 6,700 veteran graves for this year's ceremony.

As of November 11, the organization's Roseburg location page lists 8,129 wreaths, exceeding its stated coverage goal.

The numbers reflect continued community support for an event that has grown into a significant annual remembrance effort in Douglas County.

Shelley Johnson and Douglas County Commissioner Chris Boice are listed as the local location coordinators for the 2026 ceremony.

Continuing a Tradition of Remembrance

Last December, The Roseburg Receiver, in partnership with The Roseburg Plug, documented the 2025 John Pierson Memorial Wreaths Across America ceremony, when more than 7,000 wreaths were placed at Roseburg National Cemetery.

Volunteers gathered throughout the cemetery, placing wreaths at headstones and speaking the names of veterans aloud.

The tradition of saying each veteran's name is a central part of the event. Participants are encouraged to pause at each grave, read the name and acknowledge the service of the person buried there.

The annual Douglas County ceremony is named in memory of John Pierson, a local veteran and longtime advocate for honoring veterans. His work helped strengthen the local wreath-laying effort, and the event continues in recognition of his contributions.

During last year's event, families, veterans and other community members took part in placing wreaths, continuing a tradition that brings generations together each December.

Community Members Invited to Participate

Organizers are encouraging residents of all ages to take part in this year's ceremony.

Wreaths Across America welcomes individuals, families and organized groups to volunteer. Participants do not need previous experience, and instructions for placing wreaths will be provided at the event.

The organization also encourages parents and grandparents to bring younger family members as an opportunity to learn about military service, sacrifice and remembrance.

Although the Roseburg location has already exceeded its published wreath coverage goal, sponsorships and volunteer registration remain available through the organization's website.

Wreath sponsorships support the annual effort to honor veterans buried at participating cemeteries.

Ceremony and Parking Information

The December 19 ceremony will take place at the flags monument on the grounds of the Roseburg VA Medical Center, with wreath placement following the ceremony.

Attendees are directed to access the VA grounds from Harvard Avenue and allow additional time for parking and walking to the ceremony site.

According to the event website, organizers are coordinating parking arrangements with local officials and the VA to accommodate the anticipated turnout.

Accessible parking is planned at the VA, along with shuttle transportation from locations in the surrounding area. Additional parking and transportation information is expected to be published before the event.

Community members planning to attend should check the event's official website for updated arrival instructions and the confirmed ceremony start time.

Remembering Those Who Served

Wreaths Across America is a national nonprofit organization founded in 2007, building upon a wreath-laying tradition that began at Arlington National Cemetery in 1992.

Its mission focuses on remembering fallen veterans, honoring those who serve and teaching younger generations about the value of freedom.

In Roseburg, that mission will once again bring community members together in December to honor thousands of veterans buried at the national cemetery.

Residents interested in sponsoring a wreath, volunteering or learning more about the December 19 ceremony can visit the official Roseburg National Cemetery Wreaths Across America page.

The Roseburg Receiver's coverage of the 2025 ceremony, including video and photographs from the event, is also available in our previous article, Volunteers Place 7,000 Wreaths at Roseburg National Cemetery to Honor Veterans.