[Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 212 (Tuesday, December 16, 2025)]
[House]
[Page H5936]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  NATIONAL WREATHS ACROSS AMERICA DAY

  (Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania asked and was given permission to 
address the House for 1 minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Madam Speaker, I rise today to 
recognize a special tradition that took place this past Saturday, 
December 13: National Wreaths Across America Day.
  Every year in December, thousands of volunteers set out in a 
coordinated wreath-laying ceremony across America and the world. This 
year's theme was inspired by the last words of Captain Joshua Byers: 
``Keep moving forward.''
  Captain Joshua Byers was company commander of Fox Troop in Iraq in 
2003 when an IED struck his Humvee. As smoke filled the air, Josh gave 
his driver one final command: Keep moving forward.
  Though Josh didn't make it home, this command saved lives and became 
the battle cry for his unit and family.
  It is only fitting that the theme for 2025 should reflect the same 
spirit: a call to action for volunteers and supporters in the 
communities that they serve.
  Madam Speaker, I thank the many organizers, volunteers, and 
participants who make Wreaths Across America possible. Their dedication 
ensures that hundreds of thousands of veterans are remembered with 
dignity and respect.

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