On Sunday morning, December 10, 2023 a convoy will be leaving the small town of Harrington, Maine and headed to Arlington National Cemetery on an important mission to deliver thousands of handmade wreaths to remember our fallen Veterans, honor those who serve, and teach children the value of freedom. Along the way, they will be stopping at schools, veterans memorials and parks for special events to honor those who have served. On Friday, when they reach Washington DC, there will be wreath laying ceremonies at the Vietnam Wall, World WWII Memorial, Korean War Monument, and Pentagon 9/11 Memorial. Then on Saturday, December 16, 2023 at 8:00 AM volunteers will be placing these handmade wreaths made in Maine on graves throughout Arlington National Cemetery, culminating with the final wreath being laid at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.
This solemn ritual has taken place every December since 1992, thanks to the the Worcester Wreath Company of Columbia Falls, Maine, which coordinates the wreath laying ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery, as well as at more than 3,400 additional locations in all 50 states, at sea and abroad. Thanks to dedicated staff and a team of volunteers, this touching tribute of laying wreaths on the graves of those who have served our country will continue on Saturday, December 16, 2023 as part of National Wreaths Across America Day.
For the complete schedule for the 2023 Escort to Arlington of where the convoy will be stopping, and to participate in events along the route, please visit Wreaths Across America. As Karen Worcester, Executive Director of Wreaths Across America, notes, “For those who have had the opportunity to participate in the escort of wreaths over the years, it is truly an experience of a lifetime. The way we and the mission are welcomed into communities, with flags waving and streets lined with children and veterans, is something we always wished every American could witness. This year we’re hoping that supporters will once again join us in lining the roadways safely and welcome the mission into their communities.”
There is still time to Sponsor a Wreath. Your sponsorship will ensure that a hand-crafted wreath will be placed on the marker of a fallen hero, and that a volunteer will then “say their name” to ensure that the legacy of duty, service and sacrifice of that veteran is never forgotten.
On Saturday, December 16, 2023 join us in observing National Wreath Across America Day by volunteering to lay a wreath at a cemetery near you in your community, or by pausing in your day at Noon to reflect on the lives of those who have given the ultimate sacrifice for our country. To learn more, and how you can volunteer at a cemetery near you, please visit WreathsAcrossAmerica.org. You can also follow the convoy with live updates at Wreaths Across America on Facebook and on X (formerly Twitter), or tune in to Wreaths Across America Radio to listen to updates.
For more information, including sponsoring a wreath, volunteering and resources for Service Members, Veterans and their Families, please visit WreathsAcrossAmerica.org.
