Fifty-five states and territories have societies here in the Washington area. Maine's is one of the oldest, largest, and most active, which is no surprise given the special character of the people of our state. Mainers have contributed generously to the history of our country, from Joshua Chamberlain's heroism at Gettysburg to Senator Margaret Chase Smith's brave condemnation of Joseph McCarthy nearly a century later. The State of Maine Society is helping to continue that tradition of service and dedication to others.
Each year, volunteers from the Maine State Society and other organizations lay wreaths at the grave sites of our nation's fallen soldiers and veterans in honor of their service and sacrifices, and to commemorate the special holiday season. The thousands of beautiful Maine balsam fir wreaths are donated by the Worcester Wreath Company and volunteers from the Blue Bird Trucking Company transport them to Arlington National Cemetery in Virginia, just outside Washington, D.C.
While many of these veterans may rest far from their homes and families, they are honored each Christmas by these generous acts of our fellow Mainers. In addition, the many visitors to the cemetery see the beautiful wreath decorations and know that these men and women have not been forgotten.
Earlier this month, members of my Washington, D.C. staff joined approximately 100 other volunteers and spent a clear, cold morning placing 4,000 wreaths from Worcester Wreath Company at the grave sites of military personnel buried at Arlington. Wreaths were also placed at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, at the U.S.S. Maine Memorial, at the grave site of former Maine Governor, U.S. Senator, and Secretary of State Edmund S. Muskie, and at the grave sites of 45 of the young men and women who lost their lives in the war to liberate Iraq.
What began as a single act of kindness and holiday goodwill has become an annual expression of our appreciation and gratitude toward our veterans. The Worcester Wreath Company, Blue Bird Ranch Trucking Company, and the Maine State Society deserve our thanks and recognition for creating and continuing such a meaningful annual tradition. We also should recognize the volunteers who show the spirit of the season by honoring the memory of members of our military. Indeed, these people make it possible for us to bring a piece of Maine to the nation's capitol each year as a token of our thanks.
The generosity and spirit displayed by those involved with the wreath laying tradition are to be commended, as well as emulated. We can all be inspired by those who give of themselves to make someone else's life a little better.
The holiday season is a special time to come together with family and friends to celebrate and be thankful for all that we have in our lives. It is also a time to think of those who are not as fortunate, and to give to others so they can enjoy the holidays as well. Indeed, it seems that the spirit of the season moves people to perform acts of remarkable generosity — whether it be of time, money, or love — and those actions have a lasting effect on not only those who receive, but also those who give. We should remember to maintain those good feelings and gestures toward others throughout the year.
I hope that this holiday season finds you and your family both happy and safe, and that the spirit of the season touches your life. Happy holidays, and best wishes for a peaceful New Year.