National Wreaths Across America Day

Floor Speech

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Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize a very special tradition taking place this Saturday, December 16.

Every year on the third Saturday of December, thousands of volunteers set out across the country and the world in a coordinated wreath-laying ceremony.

This ceremony is known as National Wreaths Across America Day.

In 1992, Morrill Worcester from Harrington, Maine, noticed he had an abundance of holiday wreaths and decided to take the opportunity to honor our country's fallen soldiers.

After contacting his Senator, arrangements were made for the wreaths to be placed at Arlington in an older section of the cemetery. This tradition would quietly continue until 2005 when a photo of the tombstones decorated with wreaths and covered with snow went viral.

From there, this quiet annual tribute to remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice transformed into a mission to remember, honor, and teach.

Since the viral photo, Wreaths Across America continues to grow. This Saturday volunteers will lay wreaths at more than 2,500 locations in the United States, abroad, and at sea. This simple gesture is a way for all of us to express our appreciation during the holiday season.

Earlier this week, what has become known as the country's longest veteran's parade, Wreaths Across America's annual Escort to Arlington kicked off.

The official route will travel down the East Coast, stopping at schools, memorials, and other locations along the way to remember the fallen, honor those that serve, and teach the next generation the value of freedom.

Stops with public events will be held in Maine, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, and Washington, D.C., before arriving at Arlington National Cemetery on the morning of Saturday, December 16, National Wreaths Across America Day.

This pilgrimage to Arlington National Cemetery represents the very best of our Nation. Tractor trailers will haul more than 250,000 wreaths to their destination.

Mr. Speaker, as many Americans will volunteer this weekend, it is a reminder that our freedom is not free. These men and women paid the ultimate sacrifice, and this small gesture is one of the many ways we are able to thank them for their service.

If you are interested in volunteering, please visit wreathsacrossAmerica.org.

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