WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senators Susan Collins and Angus King today announced that the United States Senate unanimously passed a Resolution they authored and introduced designating Saturday, December 14, 2013 as "Wreaths Across America Day."
On that day, a convoy of Mainers is scheduled to arrive at Arlington National Cemetery to lay approximately 130,000 Maine-made balsam wreaths at the grave sites of our nation's fallen soldiers and veterans. The Patriot Guard Riders will continue their tradition of escorting tractor-trailers filled with donated wreaths from Harrington, Maine to Arlington National Cemetery. This is the 22nd consecutive year that Morrill Worcester, owner of Worcester Wreath Company in Harrington, will make this generous donation. In addition to Arlington National Cemetery, wreaths will be placed in veterans cemeteries around the country and the world.
"Wreaths Across America has evolved from a desire by Morrill and Karen Worcester to honor our nation's veterans into a nationwide outpouring of gratitude to America's heroes and their loved ones. Because of the generosity of spirit and good will of hundreds of dedicated volunteers, over the past two decades more than one million wreaths have been placed with solemn reverence at the base of the tombstones of veterans in Arlington National Cemetery as well as national and state cemeteries across the country. Through this Resolution, we humbly extend our appreciation to each of these patriots and join them in paying homage to our nation's heroes," said Senators Collins and King in a joint statement. "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."
The Resolution, passed today, also honors the Patriot Guard Riders, and all of the volunteers and donors involved with this worthy tradition; and recognizes the sacrifices that our veterans, members of the Armed Forces, and their families have made, and continue to make, for our great nation.
Earlier this week, Senators Collins and King attended a wreath laying event at the U.S. Capitol. The Maine State Society, in conjunction with Wreaths Across America, led this ceremony, in which a wreath is placed on display at the Capitol. The wreath will remain there throughout the holidays and is dedicated to honor and remember out military service members and their families who are separated during this season. This ceremony was also attended by Maine's Adjutant General, Brigadier General James Campbell.