Wreaths Across America – Saturday, December 10th

Wreaths Across America

Tomorrow communities all across America will gather together to honor our fallen veterans during the annual Wreaths Across America Day.

Wreaths at Arlington

Morrill Worcester

Wreaths Across America began 20 years ago when the Morrill Worcester, owner of the Worcester Wreath Company in Harrington, Maine, decided to donate live wreaths and have them placed on the headstones at Arlington National Cemetery.  Military families expressed profound appreciation for this gesture, pointing out how difficult and emotional the holiday season can be for a veteran’s family.

Ceremony Locations for tomorrow

Over 600 ceremonies will be held throughout the country tomorrow, in national cemeteries, public and private graveyards, and in State House ceremonies in all 50 states, all to honor those veterans who have given the ultimate sacrifice. 

Wreaths on the prairie

Fresh evergreen wreaths will be placed to honor of each branch of the service, Army, Marines, Air Force, Navy, Coast Guard, Merchant Marine, and MIA/POW, along with wreaths put on individual graves.  In Arlington Cemetery alone over 100,000 wreaths will be placed.

WAA Poster

The objective of Wreaths Across America is to teach the younger generation about the sacrifices that war can require and offer an appropriate manner to honor those who have served.  “Remember, Honor and Teach” is their motto.  Most ceremony coordinators will offer a short briefing on the proper etiquette of laying a wreath.  Youth organizations and school groups across the country will be taking part.

Truck convoy of wreaths

Parade route down the East Coast

A parade of escorts, friends and trucks started in Maine on Sunday, December 6^th, scheduled to arrive at Arlington with fresh wreaths gathered throughout the trip for tomorrow’s ceremonies. During the 5-day journey, the motorcade stopped in communities all along the East Coast, spreading the word and encouraging Americans to “Remember, Honor and Teach.”   The Patriot Guard Riders escorted them to veterans’ homes, schools, and monuments all along the way.

A Veteran remembers

It is expected that over 400,000 wreaths will be placed tomorrow throughout cemeteries in all fifty of the United States.  Over 160,000 volunteers, many veterans, will take part in the events.

Honoring our fallen

If you are interested in attending a ceremony or taking part, check out their website at Wreaths Across America, http://www.wreathsacrossamerica.org/

Or connect with Wreaths Across America on their Facebook page, http://www.facebook.com/WAAHQ

~ Joy

(All photos courtesy of Wreaths Across America website and Facebook pages.)