Q+A
with Philip H. Merry, Jr., Christmas Honors
The mission of Christmas Honors is to present appreciation to veterans and their families such that they will never be forgotten.
479.668.4764
P.O. Box 10696, Fort Smith
christmashonors.org
DS: How did Christmas Honors come to be?
CH: In 2009, I learned that the Arlington National Cemetery decorates rotating sections of the gravesites with wreaths each December. I shared this information with a group of friends who discovered many of the headstones at Fort Smith National Cemetery received little attention during the Christmas season. This group decided to change this, and Christmas Honors was born to honor every headstone at the cemetery. It would be all or none.
DS: Who does Christmas Honors serve and in what way?
CH: Our purpose is to show gratitude for the service and sacrifices made by veterans buried at Fort Smith National Cemetery, veterans who are presently in the service ranks, and their families by honoring them with a wreath.
DS: How does Christmas Honors impact our community?
CH: Over 1,000 volunteers give their time, money, and resources to make this event a reality for our veterans. Strangers partner together to prepare the wreaths and leave as friends. Stories are shared. Hugs are exchanged on the emotional day when wreaths are laid. Volunteers include our military, city leadership, police and fire departments, veterans, companies, local organizations, churches, schools, individual citizens, and many others – all with a passion to help. It is a very special event that unites our community via a common goal.
DS: How can our community get involved and show support?
CH: Volunteers are needed at the wreath workshop, at the Christmas Honors event and wreath pick up day. There is no need to sign up to participate! Simply show up and jump in! However, if you would like to bring a school group or a group from an organization or company, or are providing a truck and trailer, we ask you to complete the volunteer or truck sign-up form online so we can plan accordingly. The form is available at ChristmasHonors.org/Volunteer. In addition, we need monetary donations to purchase additional wreaths and bows for every headstone. Donations can be made via the website.
DS: What is something that many people may not know about Christmas Honors?
CH: Christmas Honors has helped the following communities start their own programs: Grove, Oklahoma; Mena, Arkansas; Muskogee, Oklahoma; North Little Rock, Arkansas, and Siloam Springs, Arkansas.
DS: Are there any upcoming events or needs we should know about?
CH: Yes! Our Wreath Workshop/Assembly is December 6 at the Fort Smith Convention Center, Hall C, 9a – 12p; the Christmas Honors Wreath Event is December 7 at the Fort Smith National Cemetery, Family Time 8-11a, Public Ceremony 11a, Public Laying of the Wreaths, 11:30a; and Wreath Pick Up/Storage is Friday, January 10, 2025.
For more information or to donate online, visit ChristmasHonors.org.
Mailing Address for Donations: P.O. Box 10696, Fort Smith, Arkansas 72917
Next month, we’ll showcase another nonprofit in our area free of charge. Requests for this free feature are being accepted NOW! Email Catherine@DoSouthMagazine.com for details or call 479.782.1500.
