Morrill Worcester, Founder of Wreaths Across America, first visited Arlington Cemetery as a 12-year-old boy and it left an "indelible impression" upon him. He found an opportunity to honor our country's veterans in 1992 with the aid of Main Senator Olympia Snow and arrangements were made to deliver his wreaths to one of the older sections of Arlington Cemetery. And, so began Wreaths Across America - "as plans were underway, a number of other individuals and organizations stepped up to help". Since 2005 the project has grown due to national attention with people all over the country wanting to help. "Unable to donate thousands of wreaths to each state, Worcester began sending seven wreaths to each state, one for each branch of the military and for POW/MIAs. In 2006, with the help of the Civil Air Patrol and other civic organizations, simultaneous wreath-laying ceremonies were held at over 150 locations around the country. The Patriot Guard Riders volunteered as escort for the wreaths going to Arlington and this began the annual 'Veterans Honor Parade' that travels from Maine to Arlington Cemetery in early December" - usually the 2nd or 3rd Saturday.
Wreaths Across America became a 501(c)(3) organization in 2007 and its mission is to REMEMBER our fallen U.S. Veterans, HONOR those who serve and TEACH your children the value of freedom. Wreath-laying ceremonies are held each December "at Arlington Cemetery and more than 3,400 additional locations in all 50 U.S. states, at sea and abroad." Go to wreathsacrossamerica.org to learn more, donate and check out the video of Mr. Worcester assembling a wreath.
Rona Mann participated in the wreath-laying on Saturday at Veterans' Cemetery in Exeter. She said there were hundreds of volunteers there to lay 7600 wreaths in sections selected for this year. Below is a picture of one section. You should really visit the cemetery and view this beautiful place in person.
Ted Avedesian shared a picture of the wreath placed at his parents' grave.
