About Us

Horton Wreath Society (HWS) is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization that was organized to raise funds to place a live evergreen wreath on each marker in the Albert G. Horton Jr. Memorial Veterans Cemetery in Suffolk, Virginia.

This year, the HWS formal ceremony, will be conducted at the Committal Shelter to honor and recognize the many sacrifices of our veterans. Revised start times are located under our “Schedule of Events” on our home page. This is a Free Family Event open to everyone that wishes to volunteer. No registration required. Just show up. This ceremony will feature guest speakers, music, and a tribute that includes placing the ceremonial wreaths at the wall of honor. Upon completion, a final procession of all volunteers will ascend to the Administration building for our Safety Brief, followed by laying the wreaths at each gravesite and columbarium until complete.

The Society strives to educate all, especially our youth and future generations, to remember the sacrifices by our veterans and to respect them. This part of the event begins with the laying of the ceremonial row of wreaths, followed by family members (Red Flag) with loved ones interred placing a wreath at the loved one’s marker. Once the family wreaths are placed, the general public will be invited to help lay the remaining wreaths. Light refreshments, coffee and hot cocoa will be available for the duration of the actual Wreath Laying.

All participants must park at designated satellite parking areas. For free transportation to and from the cemetery, please go to our homepage for more information regarding satellite parking. Additional information will be disseminated as it becomes available via the Horton Wreath Society webpage, Facebook and local media.

The Albert G. Horton Jr. Memorial Veterans Cemetery is located at 5310 Milner’s Road, Suffolk, VA. 23434. We are always looking for volunteers and inviting everyone to join our ceremony. The Albert G. Horton Jr. Memorial Veterans Cemetery is one of three state veterans’ cemeteries operated by the Virginia Department of Veteran Services (VDVS). To learn more about VDVS visit www.dvs.virginia.gov.

Volunteers Needed for Horton Wreath Society Committees

Subcommittees have been formed. We are asking for our Annual Participants, Volunteers and anyone interested to commit to help on one of our subcommittees. Our Annual Event has gotten to the point that we need help making it happen, something that is planned 12 months of the year.

Below will be a list of each committee with it’s function and point of contact.

Any questions please email us at HortonWreathSocietyPAO@gmail.com and Thanks!

Wreath Logistics-POC: This group is responsible for coordinating with the volunteers, the receipt, off-loading, unpacking, counting, fluffing and reloading of the wreaths the week of the ceremony.

Staging Wreaths-POC: On the day of the event, this group is responsible for staging the ceremonial row, collecting the tickets from “Family/Loved Ones”, distributing the wreaths from the trucks and trailers and manage the orderly placement on the gravesites.

Transportation/Parking/Traffic Control-POC: This group is responsible managing the parking, drop-offs, safe transportation of the public, traffic control at the cemetery, designated satellite parking facility and VIP/Volunteer parking at the Cemetery.

Safety POC: This group (preferably military personnel) is responsible for providing overall safety the day of the event.

Cemetery Logistics: This group is responsible for arranging the procurement of bleachers, porta-potties, and secure golf carts/drivers. Schedule/stage (EMS) in preparation for the day of the event. Provide transportation for the elderly and severely handi-capped to and from the designated Cemetery entrances which includes transporting around the grounds.

Ceremonial (Color Guard/MC/Key Note Speaker/Chaplain/Music): Responsible for contacting prospective groups or individuals either in person or by letter to get commitments for the Color Guard, Master/Mistress of Ceremonies, Key Note Speaker, Chaplain, and Music. As the ceremony draws closer, the committee chair is responsible for confirming all previous commitments.

Signs (Responsible for putting up Signs) POC:

Refreshments POC: Responsible for ensuring that we have water and cookies for guests to enjoy during wreath laying and prior to ceremony.

Guest Logs POC: This group is responsible for maintaining the electronic guest logs on the day of the event. Names and addresses provided will be combined into organization database for future use in soliciting donations and volunteers.

Post Card and VIP Invitations: This group is responsible for ensuring that HWS post cards, which provide information about our organization, are printed and distributed. Will ensure that all dignitaries and VIP guests that have accepted their invitations are provided with VIP Parking passes prior to the event. VIP Guests will present their VIP Parking pass upon arrival and directed to their designated parking area.

Red Flags, Grave Sites, Family Members POC: This committee is responsible for managing 15-20 personnel and coordinating the placement of “Red Flags” on designated grave sites, as requested by the Family Members. Monitor the reserved gravesites to ensure wreaths are not placed/displayed by the public.

Media Communication POC: This committee is responsible for submitting press releases, obtaining confirmation from radio station for music, providing information to update website/social media and coordinating television appearances as necessary.

Fund Raising POC: Responsible for coordinating fund raising events and public distribution of literature pertaining to the Horton Wreath Society and its goals (i.e., restaurants, big box stores, Lowes, Home Depot, Public Libraries, Commissaries, Farmers Market, etc.) and any additional appropriate venues.

Dignitaries Coordinator POC: Responsible for working with the Ceremonial Chairman once individuals are identified and confirmed to be able to meet and greet the dignitaries on the day of the event.

Military Women of Tidewater Unit 152

Military Women Across the Nation, a non-profit 501 ( c) 19 organization, consists of units and members at large residing in the United States. The National organization, originally chartered in 1979, and open to all Sea Service Women, has subsequently evolved into Military Women Across the Nation and is open to all Military Women.

The local unit is Military Women of Tidewater, Unit 152.

Military Women of Tidewater, and active participant in HWS, assists in raising funds necessary to purchase wreaths needed for each headstone each year. Additionally, they provide support by scripting and helping coordinate the ceremonies.

For more information on the Annual Wreath Laying Ceremony, monthly meetings, events and Horton Wreath Society, please visit us at: https://www.hortonwreathsociety.org or email Michael.J.Yarbrough3.civ@us.navy.mil or Kelly Armon at HortonWreathSocietyPAO@gmail.com.