National Wreaths Across America Day set for Dec. 15
As part of National Wreaths Across America Day on Saturday, Dec. 15, fallen veterans will be honoured at about 1,500 cemeteries across the nation.
Wreaths Across America started in 1992 when Morrill Worcester, owner of Worcester Wreath Co. in Harrington, Maine, found himself with a surplus of wreaths toward the end of the holiday season. With the help of Maine then-Sen. Olympia Snowe, arrangements were made to place wreaths in the older sections of Arlington National Cemetery.
The tribute continued annually for more than a decade with little fanfare. In 2005, a photo of the tombstones adorned with wreaths and covered in snow began to circulate the internet, prompting national attention to the cause. Soon, thousands of requests poured in from people who wanted to get involved and replicate the Arlington project at other national and state cemeteries.
Each December, wreath-laying ceremonies are conducted at Arlington, as well as other cemeteries. In 2017, more than 1.5 million wreaths were placed on veterans’ headstones at 1,422 participating cemeteries around the United States. The wreaths are placed to honour the service and sacrifices made by the veterans. In addition, each name is said aloud.
Hundreds of truck drivers, volunteer for Wreaths Across America each year.
To search for a Wreaths Across America ceremony near you, go here.
