Remember the fallen;Honor those who serve;
Teach our children the value of freedom.
2007 will mark the 16th anniversary of holiday wreaths being sent from the State of Maine to Arlington National Cemetery. Each year the folks at Worcester Wreath Company make and decorate wreaths that will adorn over 5000 headstones of our Nation's fallen heroes - in what has become an annual event coordinated with the Cemetery Administration and the Maine State Society.
Row after row of bleached white stones, with evergreen wreaths and red bows - it is a stirring image to commemorate those who made the ultimate sacrifice for our country.
What started over 15 years ago, as one's man's dream to honor Veterans with Maine wreaths for the holidays, has become an annual event cherished by many. Humbled with a new understanding about the impact the Arlington Wreath Project has made, not only in honoring the dead, but recognizing the sacrifices of the living, Morrill Worcester - President of Worcester Wreath Company committed himself to doing more, by reaching out across the country.
"Our goal is to expand the recognition of those who serve our country, both past, present, and future, as well as their families who deserve our support. Without the sacrifices of our veterans, there would be no opportunity to enjoy the freedoms, the life we live today."
“We make it our business to never forget.”
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According to snopes.com, Merril Worcester not only provides the wreaths, but covers the trucking expense as well. The director of the cemetery selects the location for each year's wreath-laying, and the Project's plan is to cover all the areas of the park over a number of years.
Rest easy, sleep well my brothers.
Know the line was held, your job is done.
Rest easy, sleep well.
Others have taken up where you fell,
the line was held.
Peace, peace, and farewell...
http://www.snopes.com/photos/military/wreaths.asp
