COLUMBIA FALLS, Maine, and GASTONIA, N.C. — July 10, 2025 — On Monday, June 23, national nonprofit Wreaths Across America (WAA) recognized Robert “Bob” Freeman of Gastonia, North Carolina, as the ninth recipient of the organization’s REMEMBER Award. This award is given annually to an individual or group who Remembers the fallen and their sacrifice in a way that goes above and beyond.

Freeman was presented with the REMEMBER Award by Julie Bright, Director of Locations and Groups for WAA, and WAA Volunteer and Remember Award Committee Member Stacey Krespan.

Bob, a Vietnam War veteran, has made it his personal mission to honor the memory of 1960 - 1969 classmates from Harding and West Mecklenburg High Schools in Charlotte that were killed in action in Vietnam by supporting and participating in the Wreaths Across America program. In addition to leading the efforts with his fellow 60’s classmates, Bob has participated in the Wreaths Across America Day ceremony at Forrest Lawn West Cemetery in Charlotte, where approximately 2,700 veterans’ wreaths were placed in 2024 before making his annual trip of honor.

Multiple nominators state that Bob ensures that his classmates have remembrance wreaths on their graves, no matter the distance. One friend and nominator stated, “... he does this quietly, without seeking recognition and has often driven nearly 500 miles to honor the fallen, taking time for a moment of remembrance at each of the graves and sharing memories with loved ones. What a powerful act of honor.”

“I may feel a bit of survivor’s remorse, but I feel it’s my duty to remember these men because I came home and they did not,” said REMEMBER Award recipient Robert Freeman. “When you say their name, they are not forgotten.”

National Wreaths Across America Day will be held this year on Saturday, December 13, 2025. It is a free event, open to all people. Click here to find a local participating cemetery near you to support. For more information or a participating cemetery near you, please visit www.wreathsacrossamerica.org.

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About Wreaths Across America
Wreaths Across America is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization founded to continue and expand the annual wreath-laying ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery begun by Maine businessman Morrill Worcester in 1992. The organization’s yearlong mission – Remember, Honor, Teach – is carried out in part each year by coordinating wreath-laying ceremonies in December at Arlington, as well as at thousands of veterans’ cemeteries and other locations in all 50 states and beyond.

WAA National Office:

Rachael Wilson, PR Coordinator

Wreaths Across America

rwilson@wreathsacrossamerica.org