Ripley County Shines with Patriotism on Wreaths Across America Day

Junior high students across the county made more than 350 wreaths for the annual event.

St. Nicholas students preparing to lay wreaths. Photo provided.

(Ripley County, Ind.) - Wreaths Across America Day took place Saturday, December 14 at 4,600 participating locations across the country. Our nation’s heroes were remembered as each name was said aloud and honored as over two million volunteers helped placed more than 2.7 million veterans’ wreaths on headstones of our fallen across the country. Ripley County showed its American pride as 4,332 veterans’ wreaths were placed by countless volunteers in over 60 locations. This year, Wreaths Across Ripley County extended its support to Dearborn County (Greendale & Farmer’s Retreat) and Franklin County (St. John’s UCC – Huntersville, Holy Family, St. Anne’s, and St. Mary of the Rock). When each wreath is placed the servicemember’s name is said out loud, ensuring their memory lives on.  

The Ripley County Community Foundation expresses its gratitude to the community for its unwavering support of Wreaths Across Ripley County. Volunteers, donors, truck drivers, area officials, and the media all played a vital role in this incredible act of unity.  This year’s theme, ‘Live with Purpose’, resonated deeply with everyone involved. 

A special highlight of the 2024 Wreaths Across Ripley County program was when the junior high students from Batesville Middle School, Jac Cen Del Junior High School, Milan Junior High School, St. Louis Catholic School, and St. Nicholas Catholic School made more than 350 wreaths.  For centuries, fresh evergreens have been used as a symbol of honor and have served as a living tribute renewed annually. Each balsam wreath is a symbol of honor, respect and victory.  Batesville Middle School and St. Nicholas Catholic School students had the privilege of laying their assembled wreaths on veterans’ graves at St. John’s UCC-Huntersville and St. Nicholas Catholic cemeteries.  

From now until January 17, 2025, you can sponsor two wreaths for the price of one! Honor fallen veterans, recognize active service members, and instill the value of freedom in future generations and donate to Wreaths Across Ripley County.  Donations can be made online at www.rccfonline.org, by calling 812-933-1098, or by visiting the Ripley County Community Foundation office located at 13 E. George Street, Ste. B, Batesville, IN 47006. Next year’s National Wreaths Across America Day will be held on Saturday, Dec. 13, 2025. This is just one more way that the Ripley County Community Foundation is Connecting People Who Care with Causes that Matter! 

The Ripley County Community Foundation is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization that assists donors in building an enduring source of charitable funds to benefit the citizens and qualified organizations of Ripley County.  The Foundation manages 219 funds and $20 million in assets which are used to improve the Community and serve Ripley County residents through various grants and scholarships.  The Foundation is dedicated to partnering with and serving the local communities as a trusted source for charitable giving now and forever.  Learn more about the Foundation and how to donate at www.rccfonline.org.