Every month at the Webster Chamber of Commerce‘s breakfast meeting, one of the member businesses is singled out as “Business of the Month.” This special recognition honors member businesses for their significant contributions to the Webster community, community involvement, and active participation in Chamber events.
I always enjoy finding out who’s chosen every month, and I’m pleased to highlight each business in my blog. But May’s honoree means more to me than most, because I consider the Wreaths Across America one of Webster’s most outstanding non-profit organizations, and the force behind it all — Cherie Wood — a good friend.
Here’s what Dan Dunn, from the Chamber of Commerce’s Events and Honors Committee, read as he presented the award:
Today’s business of the month is a little different, but in the best possible way. We’re recognizing Wreaths Across America — Webster, New York, an organization that reminds us what service to a community really looks like.
Wreaths Across America started back in 1992 with a simple idea: honor and remember our veterans. Here in Webster, that mission took root in 2021 thanks to Cherie Wood, who wanted to honor her father’s service in World War II. What started with 600 wreaths at one cemetery has grown into honoring 2,500 fallen veterans across five Webster cemeteries. That doesn’t happen by accident; that happens because someone refuses to let people be forgotten.
The message is powerful: We die twice — once when we pass, and again when our name is spoken for the last time, Every wreath placed means a name is said out loud. Someone is remembered. That matters. And here’s what really stands out: this is entirely community-driven. No government funding,. Every wreath is sponsored by individuals and businesses, year after year. That’s 2,500 acts of generosity, every single year.
Cherie may call herself a volunteer, but she’s leading something much bigger. She supports active-duty families, works with Gold Star families, helps veterans find resources, and stands in honor at services, making sure families know their loved ones will never be forgotten. Then there’s Wreath Day. After the ceremony, up to 1,000 people from our community come out to place wreaths, It’s one of those moments that reminds you what a community can be when people show up for something bigger than themselves.
Cherie is also involved with … ROC Veterans, the Webster Garlic Fest, the town’s 250th celebration, and even serves as Historian for Webster Union Cemetery. She’s not just preserving history — she’s actively shaping it.
One moment says it all: a Vietnam veteran told her last year that placing a wreath was the first time in 60 years that he felt proud of his service. Think about that for a second. That’s the impact.
So today, we’re not just recognizing an organization. We’re recognizing purpose, commitment, and what it looks like to truly give back.
When Dan finished the presentation, every single business person in the room stood to give Cherie Wood a standing ovation. I have never seen that happen before.
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(posted 5/9/2026)
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