This week’s Borne the Battle features Wayne Hanson, the Chairman of the Board of Directors for Wreaths Across America (WAA).


WAA is a national campaign that coordinates wreath-laying ceremonies at over 1,700 national cemeteries, culminating at Arlington National Cemetery. The three-fold purpose of WAA aims to remember fallen U.S Veterans, honor those who currently serve, and teach children the value of freedom. Here, Hanson explains WAA’s humble beginnings and its rise into the national organization that it is today.

In this episode, Hanson discusses his time in the Army and the socio-political atmosphere of when he returned from Vietnam. He talks about transition and his gradual involvement at WAA. Lastly, he shares the four words from a stranger that kept him motivated to work even to this day.

Wreaths Across America still in need of donations for Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery

Tonight there was a local push to honor fallen veterans this Christmas with a simple gesture, a wreath on their headstone. Organizers and volunteers with Wreaths Across America met at The Barn Door Restaurant to collect donations from people.

For more information on Wreaths Across America, or for info on how to volunteer, visit the WAA website.


#BtBattle Veteran of the Week

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Hayoung Oh is a podcast intern with the VA’s Digital Media Engagement Team. He is currently an undergraduate at UC Berkeley studying Public Health.

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2 Comments

  1. mr zulu December 7, 2019 at 07:53

    I just listened to the episode #174 on Wreaths Across America. Like most of your podcasts, it was informative and insightful on a veteran or organization that has or continues to have a positive impact on veterans and their community.

  2. Garry Brown December 5, 2019 at 05:54

    I just listened to the episode #174 on Wreaths Across America. Like most of your podcasts, it was informative and insightful on a veteran or organization that has or continues to have a positive impact on veterans and their community. The comment by Mr. Hanson about a veteran’s father wondering why his son’s grave at Arlington was missing a wreath really hit home. WAA is a great organization and BTB continues to provide meaningful content worth listening to. Thanks and keep up the great work.
    GBArmy

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