Secretary of the Army Ryan McCarthy announced Tuesday that Wreaths Across America would carry on as planned at Arlington National Cemetery.
McCarthy made the announcement through his official Twitter account after initial reports indicated that the program — which places a Christmas wreath at each gravesite at military cemeteries nationwide —would be canceled at Arlington this year due to the ongoing spread of coronavirus. (RELATED: Wreaths Across America: ‘It Was Supposed To Be A One-Time Thing’)
Due to the current COVID-19 situation across the nation and within the NCR, it is with great regret that ANC is cancelling Wreaths Across America at ANC and the Soldiers’ and Airmen’s Home Cemetery on Dec. 19, 2020.
Please read the full press release at: https://t.co/b6EEqpsmRh
— Arlington National Cemetery (@ArlingtonNatl) November 16, 2020
“I have directed Arlington National Cemetery to safely host Wreaths Across America. We appreciate the families and visitors who take time to honor and remember those who are laid to rest at our nation’s most hallowed ground,” McCarthy tweeted in response.
I have directed Arlington National Cemetery to safely host Wreaths Across America. We appreciate the families and visitors who take time to honor and remember those who are laid to rest at our nation’s most hallowed ground.
— SecArmy (@SecArmy) November 17, 2020
The initial reports sparked backlash from many who wanted to see Wreaths Across America go ahead as planned.
This is neither understandable nor acceptable! THEY sacrificed. We can’t. Some things should happen at all costs – even in covid.
If you can protest in giant masses, go to strip clubs and casinos, we can figure out a way not to cancel wreaths across America! https://t.co/2FmJLh4ggf
— Meghan McCain (@MeghanMcCain) November 17, 2020
“Why would you choose emotional reasoning over sophisticated, rational reasoning:” @RepDanCrenshaw slams officials for suspending Arlington National Cemetery Wreaths Across America event on @foxandfriends pic.twitter.com/eiygIuaZsS
— Brian Kilmeade (@kilmeade) November 17, 2020
Well this is terrible news. https://t.co/HzY81JYSwL
— Katie Pavlich (@KatiePavlich) November 16, 2020
The turnaround sparked an equally quick response from those who were glad to see that the tradition would carry on another year.
Quick turnaround! Wreaths Across America will go forward as normal. Ish. Normal-ish. https://t.co/u4gdOTyVx4
— Emily Zanotti (@emzanotti) November 17, 2020
Thank you, Mr. Secretary.
Wreaths Across America is back on! https://t.co/j92CW9e7VC
— Alex Plitsas ???????? (@alexplitsas) November 17, 2020
WONDERFUL NEWS! The Secretary of the Army has directed Arlington Cemetery to allow @WreathsAcross to lay wreaths on graves of veterans this year. #RememberHonorTeach
— Katie Pavlich (@KatiePavlich) November 17, 2020
This is great news. Thank you. https://t.co/yeHnFHjBTT
— Vince Coglianese (@VinceCoglianese) November 17, 2020