My wife and I are co-leaders of a program called Wreaths Across America at Indiantown Gap National Cemetery in Annville PA. As such we organize volunteers to lay wreaths on the graves of fallen military veterans in early December to remember their service. Is it acceptable that we lay wreaths on the graves of Jewish Veterans, or should we skip those headstones? To my mind, all served and all deserve recognition, the wreaths are simply a symbol of our appreciation, not a religious item. What guidance do you have for us?
Under normal conditions, wreaths are not used in Jewish cemeteries and in Jewish rites. However, because the subject is obviously a very sensitive one, I would suggest trying to contact the families to see if they would like to have one or not.
