2020 WAA Event
This year, in order to comply with Covid 19 restrictions, our Wreaths Across America event will be spread out over a three day period; Thursday, December 17 thru Saturday, December 19. The first two days (Thursday And Friday) are for families and those wishing to place a wreath on one or more specific gravesites. Anyone wishing to volunteer to place wreaths and avoid the congestion on Saturday, is also welcome on Thursday or Friday. Saturday our volunteers will place the remaining wreaths. Masks and social distancing will be required. There will be no public ceremony this year, however, a virtual ceremony will be posted to our website and on social media.

The AT District proudly participates in two annual service projects at the Georgia National Cemetery in Canton.  In addition to community service, these events are opportunities for both youth and adults to learn about and appreciate the service and sacrifices of those who have given their lives in service of our country, as well as the rich history of the Canton area.

Memorial Day Flag Placement

Date:  Saturday, May 29th 2021
Location:  Georgia National Cemetery 1080 Veterans Cemetery Road Canton, GA 30114
Times:  8:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Complete information will not be available until a couple weeks prior to the event per the GA National Cemetery admin.  For now, plan on attending the day-of.

Parking fills ups fast. Arrive early or be prepared to walk a long distance.   Suggested is start arriving after 7:00-am.

9:00 am, Placement of Flags, Sections 1, 2, 6, 7, Columbaria and Memorial Garden
9:30-10:00 am, Yonah Brass performs entrance music, Assembly Area
10:00-11:00 am Memorial Day Program, Assembly Area
11:00-11:30 am, Yonah Brass performs exit music, Assembly Area
11:00-12:30 (approximate) crowd dispenses from grounds

TIPS:
During the opening program, instructions and a demonstration will be given so that Scouts will know the proper procedure and etiquette for placing the flags, however here are a few tips.
                                                            
  • Upon hearing Taps at a military ceremony, proper protocol dictates those individuals in scout uniform render a salute until the music is complete while turning and facing the bugler. Civilians should remove their headgear and place their hand over their heart. Please no talking.
  • Scouts should only carry 1 or 2 flags at a time and not a hand full.  We take our time and are methodical in protocol and procedure.
  • Place your flag at the tombstone 1 foot back and center .  Read the name and tombstone aloud.  Salute the tombstone.  Remove your cover and say a solo prayer.  Only than do we move to the next gravesite.
  • Please assure that all those interested are awarded the opportunity to participate.  You might only place 1 or 2 flags as you pay respects.

Christmas Wreath Placement

Date:  Saturday, December 19th 2020
Location:  Georgia National Cemetery 1080 Veterans Cemetery Road Canton, GA 30114
Times:  10:30 AM - 12:00 PM

Other information about event:
  • New This Year: Please register your family at this link:   https://wreathsacrossamerica.org/pages/14806/Overview/?relatedId=18401
  • Please be at the section you wish to place wreaths at by 10:45 am.  There are 7 sections open at this cemetery.
  • Parking is limited so car-pool and allow for extra time to walk from where you park.
  • We will start laying wreaths at Georgia National Cemetery at 11:00 am.  
  • Do not place any wreaths until after the section leaders have said the instructions and prayer.
  • Please assure that all those interested are awarded the opportunity to participate. Take only one wreath at a time. 
  • After the wreath laying, please work you way to the assembly area near the large flagpole. 
  • The ceremony at the assembly area will start promptly at noon.
  • During the 12:00 service we need scouts to hand out water bottles and programs.
  • After the service we need scouts to put up chairs.