Fifteen years ago, a couple by the name of Merrill and Karen Worcester, owners of the Worcester Wreath Company, began donating wreaths for the Arlington Cemetery. 

Back then, they were the leftover wreaths that they had that were still fresh.  He didn't want them to go to waste, so he began sending them to Arlington.  This came about because when he was younger, he won a trip to Washington DC, and he always remembered the Arlington Cemetery from that trip.

He has continued sending these wreaths each year, as his way of giving back to veterans because "without them, we would not have what we do today".

This year, 2006, is the first year that they've included other veteran's cemeteries around the country.  They've sent six wreaths, "one for each branch of the military with the sixth wreath to remember those still missing in action", to each of the country's veteran's cemeteries.

Some of the organizations helping to achieve the goal of getting all these wreaths to their destinations include: the Civil Air Patrol and the Patriot Guard Riders.  The Patriot Guard Riders have chapters in each state, and each state's chapter will escort the procession in that state to the border of the next state, until they reach Washington DC.  The Civil Air Patrol will ensure the wreaths are flown to all of the states with veterans cemetaries.  At least one school in each state is taking part, and wreaths have been sent to them as well for delivery and placement in the cemetaries.  The Blue Bird Ranch is providing the trucking to get these wreaths to Arlington.

All the wreaths will be laid on December 14th this year, and everyone is invited to attend any of the cermonies.  For those unable to attend a ceremony, a moment of silence will be held at noon on December 14th.  Here is a schedule of the stops along the Escort to Arlington.

We were very fortunate here in Portsmouth New Hampshire to have been one of the stops of this wonderful Wreaths Across America procession.  Our New Hampshire State Police and the NH Chapter of the Patriot Guard Riders met them to escort them to the Massachusetts border. 

                                                                                                   
                                                                                                     - photo from Portsmouth Herald -                                                                
This video, posted on YouTube, put together by those who work at Worcester Wreath, tells the story of WHY they do this every year.  It is a beautiful tribute to our veterans, and is quite moving.  Please take a few minutes to watch it - it's well worth your time, I promise!

What a beautiful gesture the great folks at Worcester Wreath Company are doing - and what a great lesson to share with others about honoring our veterans and those who've given all on our behalf!  In the words of the Worcesters, "without them, we would not have what we do today".......