Morrill Worcester was inspired as a 12-year-old boy when he visited the Arlington National Cemetery. The sacrifice of those laid to rest there left a great impression on him. Fast forward a few years, and Worcester would find himself as the owner of Worcester Wreath Company with plenty of extra wreaths. Inspiration struck, and he knew just how to use them. Joined by plenty of volunteers and organizations, they began to lay the wreaths in tribute to Veterans who had moved on. In the 2000s, the non-profit was established, and Wreaths Across America was born. Today, the organization works to remember those who have fallen, honor those who serve, and teach children the value of freedom.
Suggested read: Remembering Fallen Heroes on Memorial Day 2022
When Is Wreaths Across America?
Wreaths Across America occurs each year in the month of December during National Wreaths Across America Day. Completing the organization’s mission of remembering, honoring, and teaching, various wreath-laying ceremonies are organized and conducted by Wreaths Across America all over the world. Most notably, a ceremony is held at Arlington National Cemetery, but participation is happening throughout the nation at over 2,500 other locations with representation in all 50 U.S. states and even events occurring at sea and abroad.
Is Wreaths Across America a 501 C 3?
Yes, although the mission from WAA started well over 15 years beforehand, the non-profit was founded in 2007 in response to the overwhelming support from people around the United States who were looking to get involved in the movement. Today, Wreaths Across America continues as a non-profit that has over 5,000 sponsorship groups responsible for laying more than 1 million wreaths in honor of our fallen Veteran heroes.
The Wreaths Across America Museum
Although WAA is best known for its annual wreath-laying ceremonies, there is also a museum in Columbia Falls, Maine. On display are many photographs, military items, and awards. There is also a 15-seat theater that shows a video that explains how Wreaths Across America came to be and the impact it has today. Wreaths Across America in Maine continues to innovate with new, exciting ways to give back to the Veteran and active military communities.
Wreaths Across America’s Other Projects
As if thousands of wreath-laying ceremonies and a museum weren’t enough, WAA also engages in additional projects that align with the organization’s mission, including its wonderful Veterans Remembrance Tree Program, which remembers Veterans forever while showing respect to their families. The balsam tips that are harvested annually are used to make the very wreaths that are placed upon the graves of Veterans.
“We created the Veterans Remembrance Tree Program because we wanted to find a way to recognize Veterans and their families in a more permanent way. This endless forest is a truly visual representation of our unwavering commitment to our mission to Remember, Honor and Teach and to recognize our Veterans and families this year and for many years to come,” said Executive Director of Wreaths Across America, Karen Worcester.
The Gold Star Family History and Hospitality House is yet another project that is one of the latest from the organization, and it is five years in the making. Also located in Columbia Falls, ME, the home features five bedrooms, two and a half baths, a sunroom, handicap accessibility, and many other features, all while serving as a museum. Gold Star families who are visiting can enjoy the free bed and breakfast, and it’s yet another way WAA gives back to those who have sacrificed so much.
“Several years ago, a land purchase was made to secure a right-of-way and access to the Wreaths Across America headquarters. A building was donated to the organization by the community. This historic home built in 1820 was part of that purchase,” said Worcester via press release. “We decided that it would make a great house for the many Gold Star families that visit throughout the year. In keeping with our mission to Remember, Honor, and Teach, each room has been renovated and decorated with care to represent a period in United States history associated with a military conflict.” Worcester continued.
No matter how you look at it, Wreaths Across America does a great job of hitting all of its mission’s goals. This organization continues to show patriotism to our country and honor and respect for those who allow us all to enjoy such freedoms and security due to their selfless service. Volunteers can get involved in a variety of ways, including sponsoring a wreath across America or donating to any of the organization’s programs.
More on Veteran organizations: What Is K9s for Warriors?
