In many homes, there are empty seats at the table for those who are currently serving or who made the ultimate sacrifice. Wreaths Across America is a non-profit organization that ensures your hero or fallen hero is remembered during the “hustle and bustle” of the holiday season.
Each December on National Wreaths Across America Day, they carry out their motto of Remember, Honor, and Teach by laying wreaths at Arlington National Cemetery. They also hold ceremonies at more than 3,400 locations across the country, at sea, and abroad.
A wreath for every American veteran. That is the ultimate goal. https://t.co/52D4rkXsQ4 pic.twitter.com/S8RFHqck9O
— Wreaths Across America (@WreathsAcross) December 15, 2022
Where did Wreaths Across America’s story begin?
As a young boy, Morrill Worcester traveled to Washington, D.C. and Arlington left a big impression on him. From that point on, he lived his life with a heart of gratitude for the veterans who made the ultimate sacrifice.
He is now the owner of Worcester Wreath Company. In 1992, the company had a surplus of wreaths towards the end of the holidays. Remembering that moment at the Cemetery, he realized he had a great opportunity. He used those extra wreaths to be placed at Arlington in an area of the cemetery that received fewer visitors.
As word got out, James Prout, the owner of a local trucking company, Blue Bird Ranch, generously offered his transportation services all the way to Virginia.
Volunteers at the local American Legion decorated each wreath with a red bow, and members of the Maine State Society of Washington, D.C. helped organize the wreath-laying ceremony, which included a special one at the Tomb of the Unknown Solider.
The annual tribute was a secret for many years until it started to get attention in 2005 when one picture went viral on the internet. The project gained national attention and requests started to pour in.
To learn more about the organization, or to sponsor a wreath, click HERE.
