Wreaths Across America 2010

The Wreaths Across America convoy started on Friday December 3, 2010 with a Wreath Ceremony at the Machias VA Home in Maine.

On Friday, December 10, the VFMA&C welcomed “Wreaths Across America” to campus for a wreath laying ceremony as they travel on their way to Arlington National Cemetery. This year marks the 19th year of this tradition, started by Morrill Worcester of Worcester Wreath Company. Over 200,000 wreaths will be placed around the country in honor of the service and sacrifice of our Nation’s veterans and their families.

The ceremony took place in the Alumni Memorial Chapel of St. Cornelius the Centurion. After the names are read and the wreaths are placed around the VFMA&C campus by the cadets, a firing squad that will fire off a 21-gun salute at noon, followed by the playing of Taps.

Karen and Morrill Worcester

Morrill Worcester said, ‘On behalf of everyone at Worcester Wreath, my wife Karen, our family, and all the people who have made the Arlington Wreath Project their work for so many years, we wish to express our appreciation for the many phone calls, email, and letters of thanks. It provides the inspiration for all of us to renew our commitment to honor the men and women of the armed forces who have served, and those who are currently serving our country. To each, and especially those who made the ultimate sacrifice, we owe unwavering support and a profound debt of gratitude for preserving the way of life we all enjoy here in the United States of America’.

Then off to a stop at College Park, MD to end the day.

Volunteer driver Tom Atkins with Gold Star Mother Aurelia Rushforth from MA

The Patriot Guard Riders in 2006 volunteered as escort for the wreaths going to Arlington. This began the annual “Veterans Honor Parade” that travels the east coast in early December.

On Saturday December 11, 2010 around 7:00 AM the convoy arrived at its final destination Arlington National Cemetery. This year wreaths will be placed in Sections 28, 38, 43 and there will also be a truck with wreaths for Section 60.

In what began in 1992 as one man's dream and a heartfelt gesture, Worcester Wreath Company initiated the Arlington National Cemetery project - donating over 5000 wreaths each year to adorn the headstones of our fallen veterans. Karen and Morrill Worcester.

The wreath laying is now held annually on the second Saturday of December. Wreaths Across America™ would not be successful without the help of the volunteers, many active organizations and the generosity of the trucking industry. We collectively thank our military and their families for “Our Freedom”!

Thank you to our military and their families for “Our Freedom”!

Gold Star Mothers Barbara E. Benard, Molly Morel National President, Mary Byers with Paula Zwillinger founder of Semper Fi Parents of the Hudson Valley, NY and her husband.

WAA reaches out to thousands of children with the message of Remember, Honor and Teach. The importance of honoring each fallen serviceman as an individual is stressed.

At noon wreaths were laid at the ‘Tomb of the Unknown’ then onto the Pentagon 9/11 Memorial, the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, the Korean Memorial and the World War II Memorial.