Arlington National Cemetery Gates open to public at 8 AM

Morrill Worcester, owner of Worcester Wreath Company of Harrington, Maine, was a 12 year old paper boy for the Bangor Daily News when he won a trip to Washington D.C. His first trip to our nation’s capital was one he would never forget, and Arlington National Cemetery made an especially indelible impression on him. This experience followed him throughout his life and successful career in business, reminding him that his good fortune was due, in large part, to the values of this nation and the Veterans who made the ultimate sacrifice for their Country.

C.A.P. Honor Guard members stands at attention awaiting arrival of WAA

Ceremonial Wreaths Across America Truck Parade arrives at Arlington Main entrance

In 1992, Worcester Wreath found themselves with a surplus of wreaths nearing the end of the holiday season. Remembering his boyhood experience at Arlington, Worcester realized he had an opportunity to honor our country’s Veterans. With the help of Maine Senator Olympia Snowe, arrangements were made for the wreaths to be placed at Arlington in one of the older sections of the cemetery, a section which had been receiving fewer visitors with each passing year.

Wreaths Across America also conducts several programs to honor our Veterans, including our popular “Thanks a Million” campaign which distributes cards to people all over the country to give Veterans a simple “thank you” for their service. We participate in Veterans’ events throughout the year, and have a Veteran liaison on staff to work with local Veterans organizations.

The annual trip to Arlington and the groups of volunteers eager to participate in Worcester’s simple wreath-laying event has grown each year until it has became clear the desire to remember and honor our country’s fallen heroes was bigger than Arlington, and bigger than this one company.