to honor veterans and their families.

COLUMBIA FALLS, Maine, and HAMPTON, Va. – July 21, 2025 - Yesterday, national nonprofit Wreaths Across America (WAA) recognized 15-year-old Cadence Smeltzer of Hampton, Virginia, as the eighth recipient of the organization’s annual LEARN Award. This award is given to a young individual who has learned and understands the WAA mission, incorporates it into their life, and demonstrates that learning through action.

Smeltzer was presented with the LEARN Award by Donald Queeney, local business owner, retired WAA staff member and long-time volunteer for the program. The selection committee consists of four Gold Star Mothers from across the United States and is led by WAA Curriculum Developer Cindy Tatum.

“Cadence’s dedication extends beyond organizing events; she actively engages her peers and community, inspiring others to participate in acts of remembrance,” said Tatum. “Through educational outreach and storytelling, she has highlighted the importance of honoring veterans, ensuring their legacies are cherished by future generations. Her leadership and compassion serve as a powerful example of how one young person can make a lasting impact, upholding the mission of Wreaths Across America with heart and determination.”

As part of her Abigail Adam’s Award project for American Heritage Girl’s (AHG), Smeltzer planned Wreaths Across America Mobile Education Exhibit (MEE) visits into schools and churches in Hampton, Yorktown and Newport News, Virginia. One event was held at an elementary school serving military children. More than 800 students and adults went through the MEE in just three days, where 500+ thank you cards to veterans were collected to deliver to veterans on Veterans’ Day.

At each event she managed a group of AHG troop members to volunteer with her to carry out her project. Smeltzer set up activities for MEE visitors, so that they could send thank you letters to veterans and see a demonstration of a WAA wreath being made. Smeltzer also created a trifold “wall of honor” with pictures of fallen service members who she learned about during WAA’s Escort to Arlington. Students would select photos of heroes on the wall and Cadence would tell their story. In addition to her Abigail Adams project, she also volunteers as a location coordinator for Cedar Grove Cemetery and serves as a Wreaths Across America Radio national youth correspondent!

“Teaching people about how we can honor and remember the brave men and women who fought for our freedom has been the meaningful part of my experience as a Wreaths Across America volunteer,” said Smeltzer. “During my time as a National Youth Correspondent for Wreaths Across America Radio I attended the Escort to Arlington and was moved by the many stories of service and sacrifice I heard from Gold Star families. Hearing stories like those has inspired me to teach others how we can keep the legacies of our veterans alive.”

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 on Wreaths Across America, 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

(207) 230-4599

Please visit the Media Resources Page to download background, photos, logos, or other items to help you file your story. Please credit all imagery to WAA Staff. Additional press photos and video can be available via email request at rwilson@wreathsacrossamerica.org.