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:

www.Wreathsacrossamerica.org

Wreaths

THE HISTORY OF WREATHS

Wreaths have been a part of human civilization for thousands of years going back as far as the ancient Persian empire.  As decoration, wreaths appear on the ceiling tiles of 'Dura Europus', a 2000 year old synagogue in Syria. They were commonly used by Hebrews and Ancient Greeks.

Wreaths first appeared in history as crowns for royalty. Made by twisting branches into a circle and decorating them with flowers, pine cones and colorful ribbons which were worn on their heads. Later crowns evolved into the hat style made of gold and gems which kings and queens still wear during state ceremonies.

In many cultures young maidens would adorn themselves with headdress wreaths decorated with  seasonal flowers and worn during festive celebrations until their wedding day. This practice is still popular in many counties around the world.

Pagans  made wreaths of evergreen branches with four candles representing the elements of Earth, wind, fire and water which were lit during pagan religious gatherings.  This custom was adopted by Christians, the Advent Wreath with three purple candles for penance and one pink for 'the coming  joy'. One advent candle is lighted on successive Friday evenings during the four weeks of advent and all are blown out on Christmas eve.

In Rome, wreaths made of laurel leaves were awarded to victors in athletic games, who would then hang them on their wall as a souvenir. Later many rich Romans hung wreaths on their door as a status symbol.  This tradition was adopted by early Christians and became the popular Christmas wreaths we now enjoy.  

In Christian tradition, the Christmas wreath symbolizes the circle of life and eternal life promised by Jesus Christ as well as God's strength.  Today Christmas wreaths are highly decorated with brightly colored ornaments and lights. 

In modern culture, welcome wreaths are hung on front doors and can be used to celebrate every holiday throughout the year.

Enjoy your garden all year long,

James