As our nation celebrates its 250th Anniversary in 2026, the volunteers of Poppy's Crew are inviting the Rehoboth community to come together in a special way to honor those who helped build and defend our country.
For the third consecutive year, Poppy's Crew will coordinate the Wreaths Across America ceremony at Rehoboth Village Cemetery on Saturday, December 19, 2026. The annual event honors every veteran laid to rest in the cemetery by placing a remembrance wreath on each grave while speaking each veteran's name aloud.
This year, in recognition of America's Semi-quincentennial, the mission is expanding beyond the cemetery.
In addition to honoring the veterans resting at Rehoboth Village Cemetery, Poppy's Crew hopes to place a wreath at the gravesite of every Revolutionary War hero buried throughout Rehoboth, ensuring that the men and women who fought for our nation's independence are remembered during this historic anniversary year.
Rehoboth has a rich Revolutionary War history and is home to one of the largest collections of Revolutionary War burial sites in southeastern Massachusetts. As communities across the country commemorate 250 years of American independence, Poppy's Crew believes it is especially fitting that Rehoboth honor these local patriots whose courage helped shape our nation.
"Our community has an incredible history," said Poppy's Crew Coordinator Jaime Papineau. "The 250th anniversary gives us a unique opportunity to recognize the sacrifices made by the earliest patriots who fought for our freedom, while continuing to honor every generation of veterans who followed. Every wreath tells a story, and every name deserves to be remembered."
The December ceremony is open to everyone and is completely free to attend. Families, veterans, students, scout groups, civic organizations, and residents of all ages are encouraged to participate in laying wreaths and helping ensure that no hero is forgotten.
How You Can Help
The success of this mission depends on the support of the community. There are many ways residents can become involved:
Sponsor a veteran's wreath. Every sponsored wreath honors a local hero and helps Poppy's Crew reach its goal of remembering every veteran and Revolutionary War patriot. www.wreathsacrossamerica.org/NH0043P
Attend the Wreaths Across America Ceremony on Saturday, December 19, 2026, at Rehoboth Village Cemetery. The event is free and open to everyone.
Share our mission. Tell your family, friends, neighbors, schools, civic groups, and local businesses. Every conversation helps us reach another veteran who deserves to be remembered.
Support our fundraising efforts throughout the year.
One exciting fundraiser currently underway is the Poppy's Crew YETI Giveaway. Everyone who sponsors a wreath will automatically be entered for a chance to win a YETI cooler filled with everything needed for a classic American cookout, making it a fun way to support a meaningful cause while celebrating our nation's heritage.
Residents are also encouraged to save the date for Sunday, October 18, 2026, when Poppy's Crew will host its inaugural Bingo for a Cause fundraiser at Terrydiddle Farm in Rehoboth. The event will feature bingo, prizes, community fellowship, and fundraising to help purchase wreaths for local veterans and Revolutionary War heroes. Additional event details, including ticket information, will be announced soon.
For questions and to donate prizes email waapoppyscrew@gmail.com
As the nation reflects on 250 years of freedom, Poppy's Crew hopes every resident will consider becoming part of this meaningful tradition. Whether you sponsor one wreath, attend the ceremony, volunteer your time, or simply help spread the word, your support ensures that those who served our country are never forgotten.
The mission of Wreaths Across America is simple:
Remember the Fallen. Honor Those Who Serve. Teach the Next Generation the Value of Freedom.
Together, we can make 2026 a year that not only celebrates our nation's history but also honors the local heroes whose sacrifices helped make that history possible.
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