What started as a small ceremony twenty years ago has turned into a national tradition, and this year volunteers laid 90,000 wreaths at tombstones in Arlington National Cemetery.  In the first year, Worcester Wreath Company owner Morrill Worcester, along with others, laid 5,000 wreaths in celebration of our fallen veterans. 

Though it started small, the thought behind it was big, and it soon caught on to spread across the country.  Now, wreaths are placed at cemeteries nationwide to remember and thank those who have served.  At Arlington alone, 15,000 volunteers helped place the wreaths, which will remain on display until January 28.

Governor Paul LePage of Maine, along with 20 trucks carrying wreaths, left from Maine to help place the wreaths at Arlington.

As tensions rise and our country is divided over the wars we find ourselves fighting, it is more important than ever to display a united front and honor those who have died for our freedom.  While whether or not we should be involved in the wars is up for hot debate, the honor, service and sacrifice of our veterans is not.  We owe it to them to show how much we appreciate what they do and what they give up for us.

Thanks to Wreaths Across America, thousands of veterans will get that honor this year and in the future.  You don’t have to be a member of the organization to pay your respects, however.  This year, make a point of visiting a soldier’s grave and leaving a token of your appreciation.