Ridgewood Chamber of Commerce and American Legion Post 53 have successfully launched the village’s first annual “Wreaths of Courage” campaign
photos courtesy of the Ridgewood Chamber of Commerce
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
RIDGEWOOD, NJ — If you’ve taken a stroll through downtown Ridgewood lately, you may have noticed a beautiful new addition to the storefronts: 62 uniquely crafted wreaths, each telling the story of a local hero.
In a powerful display of community spirit, the Ridgewood Chamber of Commerce and American Legion Post 53 have successfully launched the village’s first annual “Wreaths of Courage” campaign. This grassroots initiative has turned East Ridgewood Avenue and its surrounding streets into an outdoor gallery of gratitude, honoring both living and deceased veterans from every branch of the U.S. Armed Forces.
From a Concept to a Community Effort
The campaign began in April 2024, when the Chamber invited residents to sponsor a wreath for a suggested donation of $25. The response was overwhelming, with 62 sponsors stepping forward to honor family members, neighbors, and friends who served.
But the real magic happened in November under a large tent at MacMurphy’s Pub. More than 30 volunteers—including veterans, local relatives, and Ridgewood High School National Honor Society students—gathered to build the tributes by hand.
Handcrafted with Heart
Using donated materials and a heavy dose of creativity, volunteers decorated each wreath with:
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Official Ribbons and Ornaments: Representing the specific colors of the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Coast Guard, and Space Force.
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Personalized Tags: Every wreath features a tag bearing the veteran’s name and their specific branch of service.
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Symbolic Decor: Each design was curated to reflect the “courage” of those who served.
The Team Behind the Tribute
The project was a massive logistical undertaking. Joan Groome, Executive Director of the Ridgewood Chamber, credited a dedicated team for the campaign’s success:
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Marketing & Coordination: Anna Dickson managed the registrations, project marketing, and volunteer outreach.
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Planning & Material Collection: American Legion Post 53 Vice Commander Kirsten Dickson and member Arie Trasso led the charge in gathering supplies and facilitating the decorating sessions.
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The “Hanging Crew”: Ridgewood High School students Dominic Sofia and Brendan Mason, along with a group of Chamber and Legion volunteers, spent hours hand-delivering and hanging the wreaths on business doors throughout the village.
Take a “Gratitude Stroll” Through Ridgewood
The Wreaths of Courage are now on full display, and residents are encouraged to take a walking tour of the downtown area to view them. Many local businesses have proudly placed the wreaths on their front doors, creating a unified path of remembrance.
“Be sure to stroll through town, view the wreaths, and thank the businesses proudly displaying this tribute,” the Chamber urged.
As this becomes a new Ridgewood tradition, it serves as a daily reminder that the freedom enjoyed in our community was secured by the courage of the men and women living right next door.
Wreaths of Courage: Campaign Highlights
| Detail | Information |
| Total Wreaths | 62 |
| Partners | Ridgewood Chamber & American Legion Post 53 |
| Volunteers | 30+ (including RHS National Honor Society) |
| Location | Downtown Ridgewood Business District |
| Purpose | Honoring living and deceased local veterans |
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