Texas officials are calling on residents to honor those who served this holiday season through a series of wreath-laying ceremonies at state veterans cemeteries.
Land Commissioner Dawn Buckingham announced the 2025 Holiday Wreath Laying schedule Thursday, encouraging Texans to participate in the solemn tradition that pays tribute to veterans laid to rest across the state’s four veterans cemeteries. The ceremonies represent an opportunity for communities to come together during the holiday season to remember those who sacrificed for the nation.
Statewide Ceremonies Planned
The events will take place at veterans cemeteries in Abilene, Rio Grande Valley, Coastal Bend, and Central Texas, according to details released by the Texas General Land Office. Each location has been assigned specific dates and times to allow maximum participation from surrounding communities.
Want to get involved? The ceremonies will begin with formal events followed by the actual wreath placement, with opportunities for the public to sponsor wreaths through the Wreaths Across America program. This national initiative coordinates wreath-laying ceremonies at thousands of veterans’ cemeteries across the country each December.
“Dr. Dawn Buckingham made history in 2022, winning a statewide election to become Texas’ first female Land Commissioner,” a statement from the GLO noted. “As Land Commissioner, Dr. Dawn Buckingham is committed to helping Texans after a disaster, supporting Texas energy, ensuring that every child in Texas receives a high-quality public education, serving Texas Veterans, and securing the border to keep our communities safe.”
The initiative aligns with Buckingham’s broader commitment to veterans’ affairs, which has been a cornerstone of her administration since taking office. The GLO oversees the Texas Veterans Land Board, which provides a range of services to Texas veterans including land and home loan programs.
For many families of veterans, these ceremonies provide a meaningful way to honor loved ones during what can be a difficult time of year. The tradition has grown in popularity as communities seek tangible ways to express gratitude for military service.
Those interested in participating should check the Texas Veterans Land Board website for specific times and additional details about each location’s ceremony. As the holiday season approaches, these solemn gatherings offer Texans a moment to pause and remember the true meaning of service and sacrifice.
