Our Lodge is proud to announce our support and participation in this year’s Wreaths Across America event on Friday, December 13, 2025. This national movement coordinates wreath-laying ceremonies at over 5,200 locations across the United States, at sea, and abroad, with more than two million volunteers to remember our fallen heroes.
This initiative holds a special, personal meaning for our Lodge, stemming from the dedication of one of our own brothers.
A Legacy That Spans Generations
Last year, one of our dedicated brothers—who is also a member of the Sons of the American Revolution (SAR) and participates annually alongside the Scouting America—went the extra mile. While placing wreaths at Prospect Hill Cemetery, he ensured a wreath was also placed at the grave of our recently passed hero, Brother Bill Wood.
What makes this gesture so meaningful is that this brother had never personally known Brother Wood. He was moved to act solely by recognizing the impact, conduct, and stories of service and mentorship that Bill Wood had shared with his fellow Masons. Upon his recommendation, our Lodge is officially supporting this effort to honor Brother Wood again this year.
Remembering Brother Bill Wood: A Life of Service
For those unfamiliar with his incredible life, Brother Bill Wood passed away on February 20, 2023, at the age of 99. He was a lifelong Master Mason, a Royal Arch Mason, and a member of many civic and fraternal groups. His dedication to our craft was unmatched; he coached countless brothers, often sitting across from his table at home to share his wisdom.
His legacy is so profound that he was the first recipient of a merit award in his namesake within the fraternity.
A True War Hero: Brother Wood’s service during World War II was exemplary. He served from June 1943 to March 1946, fighting in Central Europe with the 313th Infantry, 80th Division.
His honors include:
- The American Theatre Medal, Victory Medal, European–African–Middle Eastern Theater Ribbon with two service stars, Infantryman Badge, and Good Conduct Medal.
- The Purple Heart (for wounds received at Castle, Germany, on April 3, 1945).
The folded Masonic Flag that is respectfully displayed above one of the doors to our Lodge Room was flown above the Grand Lodge of Virginia specifically in his honor.
How You Can Participate
We encourage all brothers to join us in this act of remembrance, showing that the bonds of Masonry truly last forever.
- Attend the Ceremony & Volunteer: A full ceremony will begin at 1:00 PM at Prospect Hill Cemetery, followed immediately by wreath placement. We urge brothers to volunteer to help place wreaths at the graves of our nation’s heroes.
- Sponsor a Wreath: If you cannot attend, you can still help by sponsoring a wreath.
To support the efforts at Prospect Hill Cemetery (WAA Location ID: VAPHCV), please visit the official Wreaths Across America webpage to sponsor wreaths or sign up to volunteer.
https://wreathsacrossamerica.org/pages/46497/Overview
Note: As of today, only 6% of the necessary wreaths have been sponsored, with 563 remaining to reach the goal for Prospect Hill Cemetery. Every sponsorship helps ensure a hero is not forgotten.
A Personal Promise: While Prospect Hill Cemetery does not allow grave-specific sponsorships, the brother who initiated this tribute will make an effort to place a wreath at Brother Wood’s grave again during the event. If he is unable to do so, a separate wreath will be purchased and placed at a later date, with an invitation for the Lodge to have a more personal ceremony honoring Brother Wood.
Join us as we remember, honor, and teach on December 13th!
Unity Lodge No. 146 
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