Wreaths Across America Ceremonies to Honor More Than 500,000 Fallen Service Men and Women on Saturday, December 13

More than 500,000 graves of fallen American service men and women, in all 50 states, will be decorated by Wreaths Across America this Saturday, December 13.

The mission of Wreaths Across America is to Remember, Honor, Teach.  The organization also coordinates a week of events including international veteran’s tributes, ceremonies at State Houses and a week-long “Veteran’s Parade” between Maine and Virginia where they stop along the way to spread a message about the importance of remembering our fallen heroes, honoring those who serve, and teaching children about the sacrifices made by veterans and their families to preserve our freedoms.

This week of events is made possible by thousands of volunteers who organize local ceremonies, raise funds to sponsor wreaths, and participate in the events.  The cost of  the programs is paid by individual wreaths sponsors, corporate donors and volunteer truckers.

Those wishing to sponsor a wreath or help with wreath laying can find additional information at Wreaths Across America.

The Wreaths Across America Story

 

Wreaths Across America™, a non profit 501-c3 organization, was formed as an extension of the Arlington Wreath Project.  The Arlington Wreath program was started by Morrill Worcester (Worcester Wreath) in 1992 with the donation and laying of 5000 Christmas wreaths to Arlington National Cemetery.  This became an annual journey for Mr. Worcester.  Read more about this in the History of Arlington.

It was relatively obscure until 2005 when a photo of the stones adorned with wreaths and covered in snow circulated around the internet.  The project received national attention.  Thousands of requests poured in from all over the country from people wanting to emulate the Arlington project at their National and State cemeteries spurred the creation of “Wreaths Across America™”.  Unable to donate thousands of wreaths to each state, Mr. Worcester conceived the idea of sending 7 wreaths (one for each branch of the military as well as POW/MIA).  In 2006 with the help of the CAP and other civic organizations, over 150 locations held wreath laying ceremonies simultaneously.

The Patriot Guard Riders volunteered as escort for the wreaths going to Arlington.  This began the annual “Veterans Honor Parade” that travels the east coast in early December.

By 2007 the requests for more wreaths grew.  The Worcester family established the non-profit group Wreaths Across America™ to further promote Veterans remembrance.  The mission Remember, Honor and Teach characterized the projects goals perfectly.

Yesterday, more than 500 locations held wreath laying ceremonies in every state, Puerto Rico and 24 overseas cemeteries.  Over 100,000 wreaths were placed on veterans graves.  Over 60,000 volunteers participated.

Wreaths Across America™ would not be successful without the help of the volunteers, many active organizations and the generosity of the trucking industry.

For more information visit WreathsAcrossAmerica.org

The Arlington Christmas Wreath Project

A great American poet, James Russell Lowell (1819-1891), wrote:

Be NOBLE! and the nobleness that lies
In other men, sleeping, but never dead
Will rise in majesty to meet thine own.

The wisdom of the poet's words has blossomed in a new American Christmas tradition. The following video tells the story of how "one man's gesture of remembrance and respect" has inspired thousands of generous volunteers throughout the nation.