One man’s annual tribute to our veterans inspired a legion of volunteers and gave rise to the Wreaths Across America of today.
Morrill Worcester, owner of Worcester Wreath Company of Harrington, Maine, was a 12 year old paper boy when he won a trip to Washington D.C. His first trip to our nation’s capital was one he would never forget, and Arlington National Cemetery made an especially indelible impression on him. This experience followed him throughout his life and successful career, reminding him that his good fortune was due, in large part, to the values of this nation and the veterans who made the ultimate sacrifice for their country.
In 1992, Worcester Wreath had a surplus of wreaths nearing the end of the holiday season. Worcester realized he could honor our country’s veterans. Arrangements were made for the wreaths to be placed at Arlington.
Individuals & organizations stepped up to help. James Prout, owner of trucking company, generously provided transportation. Volunteers from the American Legion & VFW along with community members decorated each wreath with a red, hand-tied bows. And a wreath-laying ceremony, including a special ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier was organized.
This annual tribute went on quietly for several years, until 2005, when a photo of the stones at Arlington, adorned with wreaths and covered in snow, circulated around the internet. The project received national attention with requests from all over the country, people wanting to help with Arlington and to emulate the Arlington project at their local cemeteries.
Unable to donate wreaths for every state, Worcester began sending 7 wreaths to each state, one for each branch of the military, and for POW/MIAs.
In 2006 simultaneous ceremonies were held at over 150 locations around the country. And the annual ‘Veterans Honor Parade’ began to escort the wreaths going to Arlington.
The annual trip to Arlington and the volunteers eager to participate in Worcester’s simple wreath-laying event grew each year until it became clear the desire to remember and honor our country’s fallen heroes was bigger than Arlington, and bigger than this one company.
In 2007, the Worcester family, with veterans and others, formed Wreaths Across America, a nonprofit 501-(c)(3) organization, to continue to expand this effort and provide support others who want to do the same. The mission of the group is simple:
Remember – Honor – Teach
In 2008, over 300 locations held wreath-laying ceremonies in every state, Puerto Rico and 24 overseas cemeteries. Over 100,000 wreaths were placed. More than 60,000 volunteers participated. December 13, 2008 was voted by Congress as “Wreaths Across America Day”.
Centennial State Chapter, Daughters of the American Revolution was the first sponsor of this program at Linn Grove Cemetery. On December 13th the Northridge High School Junior ROTC presented a Wreath for each branch of service. Their advisor, Maj. (ret) S. Kintzley spoke to a crowd of 100 volunteers who then placed wreaths throughout the cemetery.
In 2014, Wreaths Across America’s national network of volunteers laid over 700,000 wreaths at 1,000 locations in the U.S.
In 2015, Northeastern Colorado Heritage League became the sponsors of Wreaths Across America at Linn Grove Cemetery. Members of NCHL attend events throughout the year seeking sponsors for the evergreen wreaths. Bring your family and help place the wreaths on December 17th at 10 a.m.
How can you help out?
1. Sponsor a Wreath. $15. Make checks payable and mail to: “Wreaths Across America”, P.O. Box 336172, Greeley, CO 80633.
If you would like to sponsor a wreath for a specific Veteran buried at Linn Grove, provide the Veteran’s name, your name and phone number and a check. You can attend the ceremony to place your requested wreath, 9:30 a.m.
2. Help place the wreaths on Veterans grave at the cemetery: Saturday, December 17, at 10 a.m. Linn Grove Cemetery, 1700 Cedar Avenue, Greeley, Colorado
Email: waalinngrove@gmail.com/
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