Our Veterans who have been laid to rest represent a robust variety of backgrounds, perspectives and life experiences. However, two things they have in common are their service and sacrifice to this country and the fact that their loved ones will go through this holiday season with an empty seat at the dinner table and one less gift to exchange.

The Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA) is dedicated to helping State Veterans Cemetery visitors in Duluth, Preston and Little Falls experience a sense of warmth, comfort and support as they spend time with their loved ones at their final resting place.

During the winter holidays, in particular, we work to create a special environment where meaningful, one-of-a-kind memories can be shared. This environment is enhanced by memorial wreaths that are placed on all headstones.

In 2021, the Minnesota non-profit organization that took the lead in purchasing these wreaths for the State Veterans Cemeteries—a significant financial investment—is unable to do so.

MDVA believes the placing of wreaths is a very important tradition to continue, so we are working hard to raise the funds for 6,500 memorial wreaths. Our goal is $100,000. If you would like to help, please click here. The fundraising period will continue until Dec. 31.

Due to recent COVID-19 transmission trends, there will be no public program or event to place the wreaths; instead, our own MDVA staff will lay the wreaths at all three State Veterans Cemeteries.

Visitors are invited to enjoy the sea of wreaths that we hope will be fully placed by Dec. 20. Wreaths typically remain until the end of January. Factors such as weather, cemetery location and wreath conditions may adjust this timeframe slightly.

We thank all Minnesotans in advance for their assistance in making the winter holidays a little brighter for the families and friends of Veterans who are interred in one of the State Veterans Cemeteries.