Wreaths Across America- Gracelawn Cemetery

05/31/2026

It's never too early to support and share the mission.

When you sponsor a Patriot Pair, one wreath will be placed on a veteran’s headstone at a participation WAA location this December, and a second wreath will be sent to the address of your choice to be displayed as you choose.

It is a great option if you’re looking to participate on National Wreaths Across America Day and remember the service of a veteran in your family, honor the sacrifice of a military family you know, or teach others about the Wreaths Across America mission at a business or at home.

Learn more and order your Patriot Pairs today!
https://www.wreathsacrossamerica.org/Shop/Product/605?tid=46B7A187-6883-49DC-A25B-BC80DEAC2885&pageIds=19520,0

05/25/2026

It's !

Army Specialist Four Ardie R. Copas distinguished himself by acts of gallantry and intrepidity above and beyond the call of duty while serving as a Machinegunner in Company C, 1st Battalion (Mechanized), 5th Infantry Regiment, 25th Infantry Division during combat operations against an armed enemy near Ph Romeas Hek, Cambodia on May 12, 1970. That morning, Specialist Four Copas’ company was suddenly attacked by a large hostile force firing recoilless rifles, rocket-propelled grenades, and automatic weapons. As Specialist Four Copas began returning fire, his armored car was struck by an enemy recoilless round, knocking him to the ground and injuring four American Soldiers beside the vehicle. Ignoring his own wounds, Specialist Four Copas quickly remounted the burning vehicle and commenced firing his machine gun at the belligerents. Braving the hostile fire directed at him and the possible detonation of the mortar rounds inside the track, Specialist Four Copas maintained a heavy volume of suppressive fire on the foe while the wounded Americans were safely evacuated. Undaunted, Specialist Four Copas continued to place devastating volleys of fire upon the adversary until he was mortally wounded when another enemy round hit his vehicle. Specialist Four Copas’ daring action resulted in the safe evacuation of his comrades. Specialist Four Copas’ extraordinary heroism and selflessness at the cost of his own life, above and beyond the call of duty, are in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit and the United States Army.

05/25/2026

We will remember them.

05/24/2026

This Memorial Day weekend as we recognize all those who have served our country that are no longer with us, we want to recognize six young men from Edmond who answered the call to serve during the Vietnam War and made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our nation. Four of these young heroes are at Gracelawn Cemetery.

All six were graduates of Edmond High School. Their sacrifice left such a lasting impact on this community that in 1975, Edmond High School was renamed Edmond Memorial High School in their honor.

Four of those young men now rest here at Gracelawn Cemetery:
SGT John Charles Wilson
SSG Allen Matthew Garrett
CPL James Earl Johnson
SGT James Michael Leonard

We also remember SPC Danny Jean Shores and Floyd Wendell Frazier Jr., whose lives and sacrifices are forever part of the story of Edmond’s Lost Six.

This Memorial Day, we invite our community to help ensure these heroes are remembered once more during the 2026 Wreaths Across America Ceremony at Gracelawn Cemetery on Saturday, December 19, 2026 at 10:00 AM.

Each of the four heroes buried at Gracelawn needs a wreath sponsored for the ceremony. Sponsors may choose to sponsor one wreath, multiple wreaths, or all four if they wish. Those who sponsor also have the opportunity, if they would like, to personally place the wreath at the grave of the veteran they sponsored during the ceremony.

These were not just names in history books. They were sons, classmates, friends, and members of this community whose futures were cut short in service to our country.

As we gather with family this holiday weekend, may we remember the price that was paid for the freedoms we enjoy today and ensure that these six young men from Edmond are never forgotten.

The sponsorship link for the four veterans buried at Gracelawn Cemetery will be included below:
https://wreathsacrossamerica.org/OK0111P

Edmond History Museum Downtown Edmond City of Edmond Parks and Recreation, GovernmentCity of Edmond, Government

05/24/2026

Save the date and mark your calendars! National Wreaths Across America Day 2026 will take place on Saturday, December 19!

05/24/2026

This Memorial Day weekend, we invite our community to take a moment to remember the lives, stories, and sacrifices of the veterans laid to rest at Gracelawn Cemetery.

Over the coming days and weeks, we will be sharing some of the incredible veterans buried here at Gracelawn as part of the 2026 Wreaths Across America season. Each story is a reminder that behind every headstone is a name, a family, a journey, and a legacy that deserves to be remembered.

The 2026 Wreaths Across America theme is “Remember Me,” a powerful reminder that every veteran has a story worth telling and a life worthy of remembrance. This Memorial Day, we invite you to become part of that mission.

You may choose to sponsor the specific veteran featured in one of our posts, sponsor the wreath of your own loved one buried at Gracelawn, or sponsor multiple wreaths to help ensure that more heroes are honored during the 2026 Wreaths Across America ceremony at Gracelawn Cemetery on Saturday, December 19, 2026 at 10:00 AM.

Those who sponsor a wreath will also have the opportunity, if they choose, to personally place that wreath at the grave of the veteran they sponsored during the ceremony. While this is completely optional, many families and supporters find it to be an incredibly meaningful experience.

This Memorial Day, let us not only remember those we have lost, but also ensure their names and stories continue to live on for future generations.

The sponsorship link will be available below:
https://wreathsacrossamerica.org/OKGLCE

05/21/2026

This month, thank a military caregiver.

05/21/2026

May is National Military Appreciation Month, a time to honor and recognize the sacrifices, service, and dedication of the members of our Armed Forces, past and present. 🇺🇸

At Wreaths Across America at Gracelawn Cemetery, we remain committed to ensuring our veterans are remembered and honored for generations to come. We invite our community to stay connected with our page as we begin sharing more opportunities to volunteer, sponsor wreaths, and support our mission throughout the year.

To all who have served our nation, thank you for your courage, sacrifice, and service.

01/07/2025

What a meaningful theme for the 2025 year!

We are proud to announce the Wreaths Across America theme for 2025: “Keep Moving Forward.”

This year’s theme was inspired by the last words of Captain Joshua Byers, United States Army, KIA, in Fallujah, Iraq, July 23, 2003.

Joshua was the Company Commander of Fox Troop in the 2/3ACR service in Iraq in 2003 when an IED struck his Humvee. As the smoke filled the air, Josh gave his driver a last command: “…keep moving forward.” Though Josh didn’t make it home, this command saved lives and became a battle cry for his unit and family.

Learn more about this year's theme, and tune in to Wreaths Across America Radio tomorrow at 10am and 7pm ET to hear Karen Worcester's exclusive interview with Joshua's parents, Mary and Lloyd Byers.

https://www.wreathsacrossamerica.org/Home/News/1229