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| Wreaths Across America |
Tomorrow
communities all across America will gather together to honor our fallen veterans
during the annual Wreaths Across America Day.
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| Wreaths at Arlington |
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| 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.
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| 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.
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| 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.
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| 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.
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| Truck convoy of wreaths |
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| Parade route down the East Coast |
A
parade of escorts, friends and trucks started in Maine on Sunday, December 6th,
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.
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| 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.
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| 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.)
