Wreaths Across America for our Fallen Warriors

I saw a report on Fox News about the Wreaths Across America just a few days ago, so I'm not early enough to get the word out this year. This is a fascinating story. I've put it on my calendar for next year. I hope you'll do the same.

*****

In his own words: A message from Morrill Worcester of Worcester Wreath Company

On behalf of everyone at Worcester Wreath, my wife Karen, our family, and all the people who have made the Arlington Wreath Project their work for so many years, we wish to express our appreciation for the many phone calls, email, and letters of thanks. It provides the inspiration for all of us to renew our commitment to honor the men and women of the armed forces who have served, and those who are currently serving our country. To each, and especially those who made the ultimate sacrifice, we owe unwavering support and a profound debt of gratitude for preserving the way of life we all enjoy here in the United States of America.

*****

Rest easy, sleep well my brothers. Know the line has held, your job is done. Rest easy, sleep well. Others have taken up where you fell, the line has held. Peace, peace, and farewell...

Readers may be interested to know that these wreaths -- some 5,000 -- are donated by the Worcester Wreath Co. of Harrington, Maine. The owner, Merrill Worcester, not only provides the wreaths, but covers the trucking expense as well. He's done this since 1992. A wonderful guy. Also, most years, groups of Maine school kids combine an educational trip to DC with this event to help out. Making this even more remarkable is the fact that Harrington is in one the poorest parts of the state.

*****

The Wreaths Across America story began over 15 years ago when Worcester Wreath Company (a for-profit commercial business from Harrington, Maine) began a tradition of placing wreaths on the headstones of our Nation's fallen heroes at Arlington National Cemetery during the holidays.

Over that period of time, Worcester Wreath has donated 90,000 wreaths which were placed by volunteers in a wreath-laying ceremony each December. But as word spread, the mission to Remember; Honor; and Teach about the sacrifices made by our veterans has captured the hearts and minds of many communities across the Country.

In December 2007, 286 participating locations hosted Wreaths Across America ceremonies overseeing the placement of 32,553 wreaths on the headstones of those who served and sacrificed for our freedoms. In 2008 that number will exceed 350 locations and 100,000 wreaths placed in honor.

Next year, we can order wreaths for our loved ones and check to see if a memorial wreath ceremony is scheduled for our own communities. Click to learn more about the groups, companies, and individuals who have help Worcester Wreath undertake the Arlington Wreath Project each year, or the many others who have joined the Wreaths Across America project to Remember; Honor; and Teach about veterans sacrifices in communities all around the Country!

If you would like to learn more about the individuals who make up the Wreaths Across America Board of Directors, click here to see the Board Bios.