Journey To Arlington Holds Special Significance For Staff

This past December the wreaths made their annual journey from Maine to their final resting places at the base of the headstones of our veterans all across the nation. Every stone has a story, and every family has a connection to one who served and sacrificed.

For Kendall Dalton, PR Account Executive with Kemp Goldberg of Portland, Maine (the PR Team for WAA), the journey to Arlington was both a work related assignment and a chance to connect with an Uncle who died in Vietnam, a Grandfather who served in WWII and Korea, and a Grandmother who helped her understand her family’s service to our Country. Now all three are buried at Arlington.

How they all came to be together again after many years, is a whole story in itself.

Click here to read A Four Tissue Post, shared by Kendall on the Kemp Goldberg company blog

Come With A Mission – Leave With A Memory

The Wreaths Across America mission has and always will be to Remember, Honor, and Teach about the service and sacrifice of our veterans, and their families. Each year we select a theme to color that mission in a new and unique way. The 2013 theme was announced this week after being suggested by  from Wayne Hanson, President of the Board of Directors for Wreaths Across America:

Wreaths Across America (WAA) has selected “Come With A Mission – Leave With A Memory” as the 2013 Theme for its wreath laying projects. We hope that all the WAA Location Leaders will be able to utilize this theme in their planning for their respective wreath laying ceremonies.

The idea for this theme arose from the many personal stories experienced by WAA Board Chairman and Arlington National Cemetery Location Leader Wayne Hanson during his many years of involvement with WAA. Since becoming involved with the Arlington Wreath Project back in the early 1990’s, and subsequently with the establishment of WAA as a non-profit organization in 2007, Wayne has made it his mission to continually spread the word of WAA’s mission to Remember, Honor and Teach.

As the Location Leader for Arlington National Cemetery since 2005, Wayne has had the opportunity to communicate, either personally or via e-mail, to thousands of individuals wanting information on how they can volunteer to help place wreaths at Arlington. These individuals come from all walks of life and from locations near and far, all wanting to come to Arlington on wreath day with their own personal mission to Remember and Honor a fallen friend, relative or even an unknown veteran who has made the ultimate sacrifice to keep our Country free. Many come as families with young children in hand and can be seen explaining to their children what each of those uniformed and perfectly aligned white stone
markers symbolize.

During his 20-year involvement with wreath laying at Arlington, Wayne and his wife Ann, have experienced many examples of what they call “God Winks” when they have met or spoken to someone at Arlington in the course of placing wreaths who had a special story or memory they wanted to share. Whether it was the elder man standing in the rain remembering his recently departed wife as he faced his first Christmas alone without her; or the Marine Captain from California who had waited all day at her husband’s (also a Marine Captain) grave site knowing that someone from Worcester Wreath Company would be coming to place a wreath on his grave; or the devoted sister who is writing a book about her brother who was killed in Vietnam and whose body has not been recovered as she paid tribute to his memorial marker in Section K, or the young widow who had brought cleaning material to wipe away any dirt or bird droppings before placing a wreath on the stone of her husband who suffered from PTSD and had committed suicide.

These are but a few of the many special memories Wayne and Ann keep remembering as they continue WAA’s mission each December. With the theme of “Come With A Mission – Leave With A Memory” it is hoped that everyone who comes with the mission to help place wreaths at one of the 800 plus WAA cemetery locations will take the opportunity to leave that day with a special memory from that occasion, be it a conversation with a veteran, a touching scene of a young child placing a wreath at their father or mother’s grave or a wounded warrior clutching the stone of a fallen comrade, or just a photograph of the remembrance wreaths placed against the headstones.

Retrieving The Wreaths Every Bit As Important As Placing Them

Thank you for your interest in helping with the clean-up of wreaths at Arlington National Cemetery (ANC) on Saturday, January 26, 2013. There is no rain/snow date alternative.

The ANC Welcome Center Parking Lot will open at 0700 and will have free parking until 1:00pm.  We encourage the use of Metro if possible.  ANC Pedestrian gates will open at 0800. Clockwise from north these gates include the Ord-Weitzel gate (near the Iwo Jima Memorial and Rosslyn Metro), the main cemetery and the Visitors Center gates (nearest Arlington Cemetery Metro), the south Maintenance Complex gate (nearest Pentagon and Pentagon City Metro), the South Gate next to the Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall main gate, and the Fort Myer Old Post Chapel gate.

Parking within the Cemetery is restricted to those vehicles with ANC Family Passes and those with valid Handicap Permits.  All Vehicles with ANC Family Passes and Handicap Permits arriving before the cemetery’s opening at 0800 will be required to enter and park at the Welcome Center Parking Lot Upper Level.  Once the Cemetery opens at 0800, the early arrivals will then be allowed to enter the Cemetery proper via the gate adjacent to the parking lot and be directed to park along Patton Drive.  Those with Handicap Permits will again be allowed to park in the Administrative/Employee Parking Lot.

This is a family oriented event and we encourage families of all ages to participate.

There is no formal sign-up or registration required.  Just show up at the designated time and place.

There will be a short Volunteer Briefing at the Memorial Amphitheater at 0845 with wreath clean-up starting at approximately 0900.  Volunteers are asked to pick up ONLY those WAA wreaths placed in December leaving any other wreaths or decorations alone.  There will be several dumpsters placed throughout the cemetery to dispose of the wreaths.  We have a very limited number of dumpsters available so we ask the volunteers to pack the wreaths as tight as possible in the dumpsters and to stay available at least to 12:00, longer if possible, to help with any extra wreath disposal needed as some dumpsters will be emptied and brought back to locations to be refilled.

We have found it helpful if you bring a stick, pole, rope, rake or something equivalent to support carring multiple wreaths per dumpster trip.  Please dress for the weather and wear gloves and water-proof footwear.

Keep checking on the Wreaths Across America web page at www.wreathsacrossamerica.org and on the Arlington Wreath’s facebook pages at www.facebook.com/ArlingtonWreaths and www.facebook.com/WAAHQ  throughout 2013 to check on the details of the next Arlington Wreath Project, currently scheduled for Saturday December 14, 2013.

I thank you all for the continued support.

Wayne Hanson
Arlington Wreath Project Coordinator

Wreaths Across America Honors 420,000 Veterans

110,662 Remembrance Wreaths Placed at Arlington National Cemetery Including the One Millionth Wreath Since 1992

Gold Star Parents Lloyd and Mary Byers, along with wounded serviceman Sgt. Justin Lansford place the one millionth wreath at Arlington National Cemetery.

ARLINGTON, Va., and COLUMBIA FALLS, Maine — Dec. 17, 2012 — Wreaths Across America, along with nearly 200,000 volunteers across the country and overseas at 825 locations, placed 420,000 remembrance wreaths on the headstones of our nation’s fallen military on Saturday in celebration of National Wreaths Across America Day. At Arlington National Cemetery, 110,662 wreaths were placed by more than 20,000 volunteers, making it the largest wreath delivery to date at our nation’s cemetery.

This is the group’s 21st year laying wreaths at Arlington, and marked the laying of the one-millionth wreath since the start of the program in 1992 by Maine businessman and wreath-maker Morrill Worcester. Mary Byers, president of The American Gold Star Mothers, was joined by her husband Lloyd and wounded veteran Army Sgt. Justin Lansford to place the millionth wreath in section 60 — the newest section of the cemetery — where soldiers from the country’s most recent conflicts are laid to rest. “I am so grateful to Wreaths Across America and Morrill Worcester for giving me this great honor,” said Mary Byers, president, American Gold Star Mothers. “I lay this wreath in honor of my son, Josh, and all the soldiers who won’t make it home.”

Wreaths Across America’s mission — Remember, Honor, Teach — is carried out in part by coordinating wreath-laying ceremonies at veterans’ cemeteries and other locations in all 50 states and beyond. Since becoming a nonprofit in 2007, the organization has since expanded to include more than 1,000 local fundraising groups in all 50 states representing more than 800 cemeteries, military memorials and other locations, along with Arlington National Cemetery.

“To say we are overwhelmed by the number of people who came out to support our mission is an understatement. The patriotism shown here today fills my heart with hope and we are thankful beyond words,” said Karen Worcester, executive director, Wreaths Across America. “We will remember heroes today, and honor their families, but we will also teach our children the importance of character. The character of an American is not easily defined, but it can be seen by the sacrifices of our young men and women fighting to protect our freedoms, and the loved ones they leave behind.”

The wreaths’ journey to Arlington has become a tradition over the past two decades, allowing locals along the more than 700-mile route to share in the emotional and educational experience as the convoy of long-haul tractor-trailers, buses, police and motorcycles passed through their hometowns. The trip to Arlington National Cemetery started Sunday, Dec. 9 in Harrington, Maine, and ended at Arlington this past Saturday to the welcome of more than 20,000 volunteers who had come out to support the effort.

The wreaths placed at Arlington will remain through the New Year and will be collected on Jan. 26, 2013.

Nonprofit Formed During The Recession Grows More Than 46% Year-Over-Year Since 2007

Numbers Show How Patriotism And Appreciation For Our Veterans Is Reaching New Levels

COLUMBIA FALLS, Maine — Nov. 29, 2012 — Wreaths Across America (WAA), a nonprofit organization founded to continue and expand the annual wreath laying ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery begun by Maine businessman, Morrill Worcester, in 1992, today announced that this year will mark the laying of the one-millionth remembrance wreath being donated to honor the service and sacrifice of our veterans.

Wreaths Across America has reached a significant milestone this year and the organization credits the compassion and patriotic spirit of Americans for helping them achieve such an honorable goal.

For 14 years the wreath laying was a company project for the Worcester’s, completed with great pride and very little fanfare. The first delivery of wreaths to Arlington numbered just 5,000. In 2005, the iconic image of the wreaths in the snow at Arlington, taken by James Varheghyi, became an instant hit on the Internet and thousands of people contacted Worcester Wreath to see how they could get involved.

“Originally we wanted to honor our country’s veterans with a gesture we felt would be a small symbol of appreciation. We chose Arlington National Cemetery because it was in the nation’s capital and when visitors came to their loved ones gravesite at the holidays, they would see they were not forgotten. We never dreamed our small gesture would become a national tradition,” said Karen Worcester, executive director of WAA.

It was in 2007 that WAA was granted their 501(c)3 status and received enough donations to sponsor 34,000 wreaths. The steady growth over the following years may be impressive, but it is no surprise to founder Morrill Worcester, who says, “There is one thing we all agree on, and know is important, and that is we owe everything to the men and women of the military and the sacrifices made by them and their families. I think that’s why people join in and it grows.”

This year, the organization has more than 800 participating locations in all 50 states and nearly 30 locations overseas. They are currently on pace to lay between 355,000 and 401,000 wreaths across the country. In 2011, 90,000 wreaths were handed out and placed at Arlington by over 15,000 volunteers in little over an hour’s time. The total number of volunteers is expected to be even greater this year.

“We are overwhelmed with the support and patriotic gesture by people from all over the country,” said Karen. “This year, individuals and organizations have shown great support for local cemeteries, but our numbers for Arlington may come in lower than anticipated. It’s always heart-wrenching to place the last sponsored wreath and leave the next grave bare. I’m always afraid that a relative who visits their loved one’s grave after hearing about our program, and finds it without a wreath, will wonder why they were not honored,” she said.

Despite WAA’s continued growth nationwide, Karen’s fear could become a reality at Arlington National Cemetery. The organization says it still needs help to reach their goal of placing 140,000 wreaths there, where it all started. They will continue to accept donations for this year’s wreath laying at Arlington through December 13.
Follow Wreaths Across America on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/WAAHQ and on Twitter at http://twitter.com/WreathsAcross.

Teaching Children about Veterans and the Cost of Freedom

Wreaths Across America (WAA) is enacting a 21-Day Salute, recognizing groups and individuals who exemplify the mission to Remember, Honor and Teach. The organization has a goal to place a wreath at every headstone at Arlington National Cemetery, but they have a dream that people across the country will share the mission of WAA for generations.

In 2010, WAA was looking to expand their mission to Teach. Sarah Worcester knew how difficult it was to explain the cost of freedom to her own children. Motivated to help, she volunteered to write a children’s book based on her successful Daisy the Dog series. She hoped the book would make it easier for parents to help their children understand how veterans’ sacrifices preserved their freedoms and why it’s important to remember and thank them.

Sarah’s new book, Parade of Purpose, follows Daisy as she and her friends travel with the convoy of wreaths down to Arlington National Cemetery. Along the way, Daisy introduces her friends to the Patriot Guard Riders, Gold Star Mothers, Civil Air Patrol and other veterans. Sarah said she wrote the book with her children in mind, taking the time “to describe each group and what they do, in terms they could understand.” When Daisy reaches Arlington she tells her friends: “It’s important to remember that freedom isn’t free. It should be looked at as a gift, and this parade has shown you all the people who are involved in giving us that gift!”

At the end of the book, children are encouraged to color a wreath and present it to a veteran to say thank you. The wreath, says Sarah, “represents eternal life because it has no beginning and no end. The wreath is a symbol of respect, of honor, and of victory.”

To learn more about Wreaths Across America and how to donate, please contact:

Amber Caron
(207) 513-6457
acaron@kempgoldberg.com

We encourage you to follow our “21-Day Salute” on Facebook and Twitter (#21DaySalute), share our inspiring stories and contribute your own memories of how Wreaths Across America has impacted your life.

Wreaths Across America Salutes the Jewish War Veterans

Wreaths Across America (WAA) is enacting a 21-Day Salute, recognizing groups and individuals who exemplify the mission to Remember, Honor and Teach. The organization has a goal to place a wreath at every headstone at Arlington National Cemetery, but they have a dream that people across the country will share the mission of WAA for generations.

Earlier this year, members of the WAA Board had the honor of meeting with members of the Jewish War Veterans of the USA (JWV) to discuss the most appropriate ways to honor all our veterans, and teach our children about sacrifices made for our freedoms. After that visit, both organizations agreed that Wreaths Across America presents an opportunity to create awareness of the contributions of Jewish veterans and active duty military.

WAA is privileged to have the Rabbi Harold Robinson joining the group at Arlington National Cemetery on Dec. 15 to address the assembled volunteers, specifically to share the proper ways to honor our veterans and families of Jewish faith.

Col. Herb Rosenbleeth, the Executive Director of the JWV had this to say: “The National Museum of Jewish Military History appreciates the efforts being made to educate, honor and remember all Veterans who gave their lives for our freedom. We appreciate that Wreaths Across America follows all cemetery rules and only places wreaths as designated by the cemeteries. By respecting the faith traditions of all veterans who have passed, Wreaths Across America distinguishes itself as a leader among organizations who seek to honor the service of our veterans.”

To learn more about the Jewish War Veterans of the USA and their work with Wreaths Across America, please contact:

Amber Caron
(207) 513-6457
acaron@kempgoldberg.com

We encourage you to follow our “21-Day Salute” on Facebook and Twitter (#21DaySalute), share our inspiring stories and contribute your own memories of how Wreaths Across America has impacted your life.

Wreaths Across America Meets With Members of the Jewish War Veterans

Both Organizations Are Driven By A Deep Commitment to Teach Younger Generations

Wreaths Across America Visits With The Jewish War Veterans

Here is a brief recount by Karen Worcester, Executive Director of Wreaths Across America, after visiting with the leadership of the Jewish War Veterans and talking about the most appropriate ways to honor all our veterans, and teach our children about sacrifices made for our freedoms:

Earlier this year members of the WAA Board and I had the honor of meeting with members of the Jewish War Veterans of the USA.  It was extremely educational.  We all agreed that we want to take the opportunity that Wreaths Across America offers to create awareness of the contributions of Jewish veterans and active duty military.

During the meeting Wayne Hanson, WAA president and I ,and our families were invited to tour the National Museum of Jewish  Military History in DC.  This October Wayne and his wife Ann, Morrill, my daughter Molly, and myself were able to take them up on the offer.

It was such a moving experience and I was most happy that my teenage daughter Molly got to experience it.

Museum Display Of A Mother’s Grief

The exhibit “A Mother ‘s Grief” was so moving. And Molly and I both enjoyed the “Women in the Military” display.

With us on the tour in addition to the museums dedicated staff were Col Herb Rosenbleeth (the Executive Director of the JWV) , Mr. and Mrs. Norman Rosenshein ( President of the Museum) and Mr. and Mrs Sheldon Ohren ( National Commander of the Jewish War Veterans of the USA).

The Commander echoed our organizations concerns that we don’t forget the sacrifices and how important teaching the children this history is to the future of the Country. As we walked through the museum from exhibit to exhibit I felt wrapped in the deep personal way he was touched by each story.

Later that morning we were treated to a wonderful lunch at the museum courtesy of the commander.

Wreaths Across Americas mission is important. For many of those who know me-you know how dedicated I am to the “teaching”. It is exciting to me that when WAA reached out to the JWV for guidance in honoring our veterans of the Jewish faith that our common interest and appreciation to see the next generation learn was forefront in discussions.

At Wreaths Across America, we are very honored to have the Rabbi Harold Robinson (REAR ADMIRAL HAROLD L. ROBINSON, CHAPLAIN CORPS, DEPUTY CHIEF OF CHAPLAINS FOR RESERVE MATTERS DIRECTOR OF RELIGIOUS PROGRAMS, MARINE FORCE RESERVE) joining us at Arlington National Cemetery on Dec 15th to address the assembled volunteers, with a message to specifically address the proper ways to honor our veterans and families of Jewish faith.

Wreaths Across America is nondenominational and all inclusive in our effort to honor veterans.  We encourage all participants to reach out to the their local communities with  open minds and hearts and further our mission remember honor and teach.

As a sign of support and opportunity to educate, both Wreaths Across America and The National Museum of American Jewish Military History have created links on each respective website, to educate visitors about history of our Country, our veterans, and the freedoms for which so much has been given.