It has become a poignant holiday tradition and a national phenomenon. For 19 years, Morrill and Karen Worcester, owners of Worcester Wreath Company in Harrington, have donated and delivered beautiful, Maine-made balsam fir wreaths to Arlington National Cemetery to mark the graves of our fallen heroes. Hundreds of thousands of wreaths have been laid by tens of thousands of volunteers at more than 400 cemeteries, here and overseas, and even on ships at sea.
When the Worcester family started this tradition in 1992, they delivered 5,000 wreaths that could not be sold before Christmas. This year, more than 200,000 wreaths will be placed in hundreds of locations, including our national cemetery, veterans cemeteries in America and abroad, and at veterans' organizations. The event truly lives up to its name, "Wreaths Across America."
In recognition of the Worcester family's hard work and generosity, the United States Senate unanimously passed a Resolution that I authored along with Senator Snowe designating December 11, 2010, as "Wreaths Across America Day." This resolution honors all of those who make this tradition possible and recognizes the sacrifices our veterans, service members and their families have made, and continue to make, for our great nation.
And now that day is here again when the convoy of Mainers begins its journey to Washington, D.C. with truckloads of wreaths. They will be escorted by Maine State Police and other law enforcement officers, members of the Civil Air Patrol, volunteers, veterans, Gold Star Mothers, and the Patriot Guard Riders. When the convoy arrives at Arlington on Saturday, December 11, it will be greeted by a stirring round of applause and cheers from several thousand volunteers who will have gathered in the cemetery.
One by one, volunteers will lay a wreath, each adorned with a bright red ribbon, on a grave site of one of our nation's fallen service members and veterans. Most of the volunteers never knew these fallen military heroes. But kneeling in front of the simple, white crosses, there is an instant bond.
The sight of all those wreaths laid on that hallowed ground is truly inspiring.
I had the honor of participating in a special Wreaths Across America ceremony in Hermon, where the convoy made one of its first stops this year on its way to Arlington National Cemetery. It was so inspiring to join the many veterans, families, and students as they greeted the convoy, and to honor the many volunteers who take part in this annual event.
Wreaths Across America honors our fallen heroes, but it does even more. It tells the veterans still with us that we honor their service. It tells the families of the departed that we share their loss. It tells our men and women in uniform today that we are grateful for their courage, sacrifice, and devotion to duty. It tells the families of those serving our country that their loved ones are in our thoughts and prayers.
Morrill Worcester describes his commitment to Wreaths Across America this way: "I make it my business never to forget." Thanks to him and Karen, to the dedicated employees of Worcester Wreath, the Patriot Guard Riders, and to the thousands of supporters throughout our nation, America will never forget.
In this season of giving, the thoughts of all Americans turn to those who have given us the most precious gift of all - our freedom. All Mainers should be proud that this incredibly generous expression of America's gratitude began right here in our state and continues to be an inspiring holiday tradition.
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