b'Photo By: Master Sgt. Jim VarhegyiWreaths Across America:By 2014, the now-nonprofit Wreaths Across America had reached its goal of placing a wreath at all 226,525 graves in How One Tribute Startedthe cemetery.The event continues to grow. This year, the organization a Movement shipped a staggering 1.75 MILLION wreaths to 1,640 locations that will hold ceremonies across the U.S. A few dozen locations Dec. 14, 2018 | BY Katie Lang overseas will participate. The organization said this was the www.defense.gov/News/Feature-Stories/story/Article/1712136/wreaths-across-america-how-one-tribute-started-a-movement/ first year they were granted permission to place wreaths at The Worcester family of Harrington, Maine, owns theirNormandy to honor those who died during World War IIs own tree farm. In 1992, they had a surplus of wreaths duringD-Day invasion.the holiday season, so the family patriarch, MorrillwhoVeterans and Gold Star families are many of the roughly had long felt indebted to our fallen veteransgot help from a2 million volunteers who prepare the wreaths, ship them Maine politician to have those spare wreaths placed besideacross the country and put them on the graves.graves in Arlington National Cemetery in areas that receivedPretty cool, right?fewer visitors each year. To all of those who have volunteered time, efforts and Several volunteers stepped up to help, including veteransmoney to the cause, cheers to you! Jfrom American Legion and Veterans of Foreign Wars posts and a truck company owner who transported the wreaths toJoin us on Arlington, Virginia, where a small ceremony was held at the cemeterys Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. This remained aNational Wreaths Across America Daysmall yearly tradition for nearly 15 years until a photo takenDecember 18, 2021at the 2005 ceremony went viral. Almost immediately, thousands of people wanted to know how to help or how they couldEach December on National Wreaths Across America Day, begin a similar tradition in their states. our mission to Remember, Honor and Teach is carried out by By the next yearwith the help of some civic organizations and volunteers, including in the trucking industrytherecoordinating wreath-laying ceremonies at Arlington National were 150 simultaneous ceremonies held across the country. Cemetery, as well as at more than 2,500 additional locations By 2008, the movement to remember, honor and teachin all 50 U.S. states, at sea and abroad.had grown so much that Congress had declared the thirdFor more information go to:Saturday in September National Wreaths Across America Day. https://www.wreathsacrossamerica.org10 Military Appreciation Resource Magazine HOctober 2021H Thank You For Your Service'