Remembering Those Who Gave All at Christmas Time

This past weekend John and I had the honor of laying Christmas wreaths at Arlington ceremony to honor our nation's fallen heroes. This event takes place every year on the second Saturday in December (Congress has declared it Wreaths Across America Day). 

Wreaths Across America™, a non profit 501-c3 organization, was formed as an extension of the Arlington Wreath Project.  The Arlington Wreath program was started by Morrill Worcester (Worcester Wreath) in 1992 with the donation and laying of 5000 Christmas wreaths to Arlington National Cemetery.  This became an annual journey for Mr. Worcester.

It was relatively obscure until 2005 when a photo of the stones adorned with wreaths and covered in snow circulated around the internet.  The project received National attention.  Thousands of requests poured in from all over the country from people wanting to emulate the Arlington project at their National and State cemeteries spurred the creation of “Wreaths Across America™”.  Unable to donate thousands of wreaths to each state, Mr. Worcester conceived the idea of sending 7 wreaths (one for each branch of the military as well as POW/MIA).  In 2006 with the help of the CAP and other civic organizations, over 150 locations held wreath laying ceremonies simultaneously.
The Patriot Guard Riders volunteered as escort for the wreaths going to Arlington.  This began the annual “Veterans Honor Parade” that travels the east coast in early December.
By 2007 the requests for more wreaths grew.  The Worcester family established the non-profit group Wreaths Across America™ to further promote Veterans remembrance.  The mission Remember, Honor and Teach characterized the projects goals perfectly.

Please consider sponsoring a wreath ($15) or being a part of this event next Christmas to remember those who sacrificed so much.

When I came across this grave, I knew I would place my first wreath on it - a military spouse and her infant son.

I believe this is her husband on the other side of the headstone.

All the wreaths had to be placed on the same side of each headstone, so I placed it on his side.

John placed his first wreath on the grave of a soldier who fought in the Korean War.

After our first wreaths were placed we went back and got several more.

What a beautiful and moving event to have been part of.

Freedom isn't free.