Wreaths Across America organizers seek county support for recycling logistics; county agrees to fund dumpster

Volunteers who organize the local Wreaths Across America ceremony at New Bern National Cemetery asked Craven County commissioners for logistical support to recycle hundreds of wreath boxes and to help cover cleanup costs for the annual event.

Kevin Yates, location coordinator for Wreaths Across America in New Bern, told the board the program places live balsam wreaths on more than 6,700 headstones at New Bern National Cemetery and that each wreath costs $17. "We have 6,775 headstones out there," Yates said, explaining the scale of the operation and why recycling and disposal logistics have become expensive.

Yates said wreath boxes come in at 12 wreaths per box and last year required more than 600 boxes. He asked the county to help provide and pay for a dumpster to allow volunteers to break down boxes on site and keep the cemetery cleanup moving efficiently. The group also coordinates wreath retirement and cleanup activities in January.

County Manager Veidt responded that funds were available and directed staff to arrange the dumpster. "Before we take questions, Steven — the funds are available. So let's, make sure we get that dumpster out there again," the chair said after the presentation, and county staff acknowledged they would arrange it.

Organizers described the ceremony's volunteer base — veterans, civic groups, youth organizations and veterans from nearby bases — and said the event will be held Saturday, Dec. 13, coinciding with the Havelock Christmas parade. Yates invited student groups and others to volunteer and supplied a public contact email for coordination.

Commissioners thanked the volunteers and affirmed county support for the logistical request.