Bristol Hills Historical Society

HELP the Historical society honor our towns’ veterans

The Bristol Hills Historical Society is a proud participant in the National Wreaths Across America Day, when thousands of cemeteries nationwide host wreath-laying ceremonies to honor the nation’s veterans and their families for the sacrifices they made.

On Saturday, December 13, we will once again honor more than 80 local veterans at their graves in four Bristol and South Bristol cemeteries with wreaths donated by community members.

For several years, generous donors have ensured that no veteran’s grave in those cemeteries goes without a wreath commemorating the community’s gratitude to that veteran for his or her service, and to their families for the sacrifices they made without their loved ones during the holiday season. The only way we can guarantee we’ll have enough wreaths is if donors step up to sponsor one or more wreaths at $17 each. By using the link provided below, your sponsorship will be credited to the Bristol Hills Historical Society and we will receive a small portion of the proceeds as a donation.

In addition to sponsors, we are seeking volunteers to help lay the wreaths. After a brief dedication ceremony outside the 1846 Bristol Center Church (4471 NY 64) at noon on Saturday, December 13, 2025, volunteers will lay donated wreaths on the graves in the adjacent Bristol Center cemetery and at one other cemetery in Bristol (Vincent Hill) and two in South Bristol (Coye and Wilder). We can think of no more moving experience than to lay the wreath and say each veteran’s name aloud, demonstrating the community’s commitment to never forget veterans’ service to their country.

Veterans from all American wars dating to the Revolution are buried in our local cemeteries. With more sponsors and volunteers, we hope in future years to expand our efforts to other cemeteries in our towns.

If you have questions about sponsorship or volunteering, please contact us at bhhswreaths@gmail.com.

Sponsorships purchase wreaths hand-crafted in Columbia Falls, Maine, of all-American balsam and hand-tied with a red velvet bow.

Sign up at the bottom of this page for the Historical Society’s free email newsletter, which will provide updates on this and other Society events. The ceremonies will also appear on our events calendars on this website and on our Facebook page.

The society thanks Bristol resident A.J. Magnan, Commander, U.S. Navy (Retired), for proposing our involvement in this project and for leading it since 2021. Read his 2024 remarks on the purpose of this solemn event here.

Below are more photos from the 2021, 2022, and 2023, and 2024 events. Click on a photo and then scroll through the collection.