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 14, 2024.

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

Wreaths Across America is built on three guiding principles: remember, honor, and teach. Each of these principles carries profound meaning, reminding us of our responsibility to those who have given everything in defense of our freedoms.

First, we remember our fallen heroes.

Every name engraved on a headstone represents a life, a story of courage, dedication, and love for our great Nation. By laying a wreath at their final resting place, we say their name aloud, ensuring that they are never forgotten. It is a simple, yet powerful, act reminding us that freedom is not free. It is paid for by the men and women who answer the call of duty.

Second, we honor those who wear or have worn the uniform. Honoring our veterans is not limited to one day or one ceremony. It is a commitment we carry out throughout the year. We honor the courage of those who stood watch over our Nation, often in the face of incredible challenges. We also honor their families, who shared in their sacrifices and carried the weight of their absences.

Finally, we teach the next generation.

Wreaths Across America encourages us to pass these lessons on to the next generation. When we bring young people to participate, whether it is laying wreaths or hearing stories of service, we ensure that the values of duty, courage, and sacrifice are instilled in future leaders. These moments of connection are how we keep the memory of our veterans alive and ensure their contributions are not lost to time.

This past Saturday, what has become known as the country's longest veterans' 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 spread and to remember the fallen, honor those who 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 14, National Wreaths Across America Day.

This pilgrimage to Arlington National Cemetery represents the very best of our Nation. More than 250,000 wreaths will be hauled by tractor-trailers to their destination.

Mr. Speaker, our veterans remind us that our freedom is not guaranteed, but it is paid for by our dedicated servicemembers. This small gesture is one of the many ways we can thank them for their service.

I also recognize the organizers, volunteers, and participants who make Wreaths Across America possible. Their dedication ensures that hundreds of thousands of veterans are remembered with dignity and respect.

Mr. Speaker, if you are interested in volunteering, please visit wreathsacrossamerica.org.

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