Brownsboro Hardware & Paint Plays Key Role in Wreaths Across America Effort at Zachary Taylor National Cemetery
For the first time, every veteran’s grave at Zachary Taylor National Cemetery in Louisville, Ky., will be honored with a wreath for the holidays. The milestone is part of the National Wreaths Across America Day and was achieved through extensive community support, including significant contributions from Brownsboro Hardware & Paint.
More than 11,000 Maine balsam wreaths will arrive at the cemetery on December 12, with volunteers placing them on December 14 following a noon ceremony. The event, part of a nationwide initiative, seeks to honor the sacrifices made by veterans while fostering awareness of their contributions among future generations.
Brownsboro Hardware & Paint, which has two locations in Louisville and Prospect, Ky., helped raise funds to sponsor more than 2,300 wreaths. “We sold more than 2,100 wreaths through customer donations at our stores and sponsored an additional 200 ourselves,” says Doug Carroll, owner of Brownsboro Hardware & Paint. “This year’s response was incredibly strong, with many people choosing to purchase multiple wreaths.”
The wreath-laying event invites participants to place wreaths on graves while saying the name of each veteran aloud to ensure their memory endures. Organizers emphasized the educational aspect of the ceremony, with many families bringing children to reflect on the value of freedom and the sacrifices made to protect it.
“This year marks the first time we can say every veteran’s grave will be covered with a wreath,” said Dr. Scott Giltner, location coordinator with the Gov. Isaac Shelby Chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution. “The level of support from the community has been remarkable.”
The wreaths are privately funded, with no government support. Across the country, similar ceremonies will take place at other national cemeteries. The national Wreaths Across America organization placed more than 2.5 million wreaths at over 4,200 locations in 2023.
Brownsboro Hardware & Paint, a long-standing local business known for its customer service, has been recognized for community involvement and was one of several organizations that contributed to the success of this year’s campaign.
The event at Zachary Taylor National Cemetery highlights the collective effort of local organizations and individuals to ensure every veteran buried there is remembered during the holiday season. For more information about Wreaths Across America, visit www.wreathsacrossamerica.org/KYZTNL.
