Morrill Worcester , owner of Worcester Wreath Company of Harrington, Maine, was 12 year old when he visited our nation's capital for the first time. A stop at Arlington National Cemetery made an impression that stayed with him all his life.
In 1992, when his company experienced a surplus of wreaths nearing the end of the holiday season, Worcester remembered his boyhood experience at Arlington, and realized this was an opportunity to honor our country's veterans.
With the help of Maine Senator Olympia Snowe, arrangements were made for those wreaths to be transported and placed at Arlington in one of the older sections of the cemetery, a section which had been receiving fewer visitors with each passing year.
And so began an annual tribute that went onquietly for several years until the project received national attention in 2005. As a result, thousands of requests poured in from all over
In 1992, when his company experienced a surplus of wreaths nearing the end of the holiday season, Worcester remembered his boyhood experience at Arlington, and realized this was an opportunity to honor our country's veterans.
With the help of Maine Senator Olympia Snowe, arrangements were made for those wreaths to be transported and placed at Arlington in one of the older sections of the cemetery, a section which had been receiving fewer visitors with each passing year.
And so began an annual tribute that went onquietly for several years until the project received national attention in 2005. As a result, thousands of requests poured in from all over
the country from people wanting to help with the project or hold similar events at their local cemeteries.
For the last few years, the trip through Connecticut has included a stop in Enfield and one in Old Saybrook, passing through Haddam by way of Route 9.
But this year thanks to the efforts of Jeff Hartke, Haddam was chosen as a stop by a truck from the Wreath's Across America convoy to Arlington. Hartke, who retired from the military in 2009 after twenty years of service, is also Assistant State Captain for the Connecticut Patriot Guard Riders.
"This is the first year that our little town and our memorial on the green have been placed on the map for the trip to Arlington," said Hartke.
On December 6, around noon and under gray skies, Haddam Elementary students joined veterans and many residents to pay respect to those who gave their life for our country.
For the last few years, the trip through Connecticut has included a stop in Enfield and one in Old Saybrook, passing through Haddam by way of Route 9.
But this year thanks to the efforts of Jeff Hartke, Haddam was chosen as a stop by a truck from the Wreath's Across America convoy to Arlington. Hartke, who retired from the military in 2009 after twenty years of service, is also Assistant State Captain for the Connecticut Patriot Guard Riders.
"This is the first year that our little town and our memorial on the green have been placed on the map for the trip to Arlington," said Hartke.
On December 6, around noon and under gray skies, Haddam Elementary students joined veterans and many residents to pay respect to those who gave their life for our country.
As the wreath was brought up to the monument, with children surrounding him, Hartke, who attended Haddam Elementary in younger years, explained the simple mission of Wreaths Across America: remembering our fallen heroes, honoring those who serve, and teaching children about the sacrifices made by veterans and their families to preserve our freedoms.
For more info: www.wreathsacrossamerica.org
As many more requests for wreaths came in than the company could give away, and with groups of volunteers eager to participate increasing each year, the Worcester family, along with veterans and others groups, formed Wreaths Across America, a nonprofit 501-c3 organization. This allowed them to continue and expand their effort, and support other groups around the country who wanted to do the same.
In 2006, with the help of civic organizations, simultaneous wreath laying ceremonies were held at over 150 locations around the country. 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.
For more info:
www.wreathsacrossamerica.org
For more info: www.wreathsacrossamerica.org
As many more requests for wreaths came in than the company could give away, and with groups of volunteers eager to participate increasing each year, the Worcester family, along with veterans and others groups, formed Wreaths Across America, a nonprofit 501-c3 organization. This allowed them to continue and expand their effort, and support other groups around the country who wanted to do the same.
In 2006, with the help of civic organizations, simultaneous wreath laying ceremonies were held at over 150 locations around the country. 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.
For more info:
www.wreathsacrossamerica.org
Wreaths Across America