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New England wreaths to begin annual trek to Arlington National Cemetery – Metro US

New England wreaths to begin annual trek to Arlington National Cemetery

New England wreaths to begin annual trek to Arlington National Cemetery
Wreaths Across America/Facebook

When Worcester Wreath Company had a number of wreaths leftover during the 1992 holiday season, owner Morrill Worcester quietly decided to honor American veterans.

With help of then-Sen. Olympia Snowe, Blue Bird Ranch trucking company and several others, the wreaths were placed in an older section of Arlington National Cemetery in Virginia that wasn’t seeing as many visitors as it used to.

The practice continued under the radar until 2005 when a photo of the Arlington wreaths covered in snow went viral.

Soon after, the nonprofit Wreaths Across America was born, and its annual December convoy from Harrington, Maine, to Arlington makes many stops along the way to share its mission of remembering, honoring and teaching America about its veterans.

Last year, more than 70,000 people took part in the events at Arlington. Additionally, more than 900,000 wreaths were laid at 1,100locations across the U.S.

This year’s convoy leaves Harrington early on Sunday, Dec. 11 and will arrive at Arlington on Saturday, Dec. 17. Wreath-laying ceremonies will be held at several landmarks within the cemetery.

For the full convoy and ceremony schedule, click here.