This summer, if you find yourself traveling through Columbia Falls, Maine on the way to more popular tourist destinations, please take a moment to visit the Wreaths Across America National Museum. You may not have heard of this small town, with its population of less than 500 people, located along the Pleasant River, southwest of Machias. However, you have seen the heart of this town paying tribute at the Arlington National Cemetery in Washington, DC. Every December a convoy sets out from here to deliver tens of thousands of handmade wreaths to Arlington National Cemetery, as well as additional locations in all 50 states, at sea and abroad.
However, their mission does not end there! As part of their mission to remember our fallen Veterans, honor those who serve, and teach children the value of freedom, their headquarters also has a museum that pays tribute to armed conflicts beginning with the American Revolution to the present. This unassuming building, nestled in the heart of the community, displays thousands of items that have been donated to the organization over the decades, including personal photos, awards, uniforms, helmets and other military memorabilia. Each room is dedicated to an era of conflict in United States military history, with interactive displays, and opportunities for Veterans and their families to share their stories.
On the autumn day we visited, Mom and Dad found the museum to be a truly moving experience, very professionally displayed with respect and honor to the stories these personal effects represent. Before leaving the grounds, we were greeted by a volunteer who told us about the neighboring Gold Star Family and Hospitality House, which is a free bed and breakfast where Gold Star Families can gather and share stories. We also learned of the Remembrance Tree Program, a living memorial in which a dog tag is created and attached to a balsam tree of the family’s choosing. There is a small dedication ceremony, and the balsam tips are harvested each year to be made into the wreaths that are placed on veterans’ graves at Arlington National Cemetery and beyond. Guided tours are available for each of these locations.
The Wreaths Across America National Museum is free to the public, and open Mondays through Saturdays, 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM. It is located at 4 Point Street, Columbia Falls, Maine. For more information about visiting the museum, sponsoring a wreath this December, their Remembrance Tree program, or their mobile education exhibit, please visit WreathsAcrossAmerica.org.
