Saturday, December 3, 2016

Wreaths Across America


WREATHS ACROSS AMERICA DAY
Saturday,December 14, 2019 
Rahway Cemetery, 8 AM
Meet at Merchants & Drovers Tavern
Saint Georges and Central Ave.







Each December on 'National Wreaths Across America Day', active duty service personal, veterans and thousands of volunteers gather at Arlington National Cemetery, as well as over 1100 additional locations in all 50 U.S. states, at sea, and abroad.




A photograph is worth a thousand words. 

Their mission statement, to Remember, Honor and Teach is carried out by coordinating wreath-laying ceremonies at every grave while reciting the name on the grave stone out loud. 



Now Wreaths Across America  takes place the second or third Saturday in December. every year.


This tribute to our veterans and fallen heroes was founded by 'Morrill Worcester' of Harrington, Maine.



Founder Morrill Worester with his wife
Karen Worester, Executive Director 

In 1992 with the endorsement of Senator Olympia Snow and the volunteer services of townspeople, trucking companies and veterans, Mr. Worcester sent hundreds of wreaths to be laid on graves at an older section of Arlington National Cemetery where there were less visitors and soldiers were being forgotten.



There are local memorials at a cemetery near you.
For locations go the the website listed below and put in your zip code.  

This annual tribute went on quietly every year until 2005 when a photograph of snow covered wreaths placed on grave stones circulated the Internet. 




This photograph of snow covered wreath brought
Wreaths Across America to the attention of the American people.  

Two years later in 2007  'Wreaths Across America' became a non-profit 501-C3.



Nowadays ceremonies are held in almost all areas of our nation.   


In 2008, wreaths were laid at 300 locations in every state, Puerto Rico and 24 overseas cemeteries.



There are volunteer  opportunists listed on the website and donations help with
transportation and other expenses. 

In 2014 700,000 wreaths were placed at over one thousand locations, and this new tradition continues to grow.  


You can watch a video of this ceremony or get more information on the Internet:

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