More than 143,000 wreaths were
placed on gravesites, Dec. 14, as part of the 22nd annual "Wreaths Across
America" event at Arlington National Cemetery in northern Virginia.
For more than two decades now, volunteers have gathered to place wreaths on gravesites in the cemetery. The wreaths are manufactured by the Worcester Wreath Company, of Harrington Maine, and come to the cemetery by truck over the week in advance of the event. Wreaths are paid for by both donors and the Worcester Wreath Company. Before thousands of volunteers who had gathered at the cemetery to place wreaths, founder of the event, and company owner, Morrill Worcester, said that over the last 22 years, interest in the project has grown steadily, and he feels now his participation has grown to something more. "About five years ago, things really started to take off," he said. "I really think that it became our responsibility at that point to do what we do. Today I really think it's our obligation to be here."
Morrill's wife, Karen, reminded event participants of the people, and lives, being commemorated during the event. "These are not gravestones, these are lives," she said. "These represent lives that were lost and laid down so we can be free."
For more than two decades now, volunteers have gathered to place wreaths on gravesites in the cemetery. The wreaths are manufactured by the Worcester Wreath Company, of Harrington Maine, and come to the cemetery by truck over the week in advance of the event. Wreaths are paid for by both donors and the Worcester Wreath Company. Before thousands of volunteers who had gathered at the cemetery to place wreaths, founder of the event, and company owner, Morrill Worcester, said that over the last 22 years, interest in the project has grown steadily, and he feels now his participation has grown to something more. "About five years ago, things really started to take off," he said. "I really think that it became our responsibility at that point to do what we do. Today I really think it's our obligation to be here."
Morrill's wife, Karen, reminded event participants of the people, and lives, being commemorated during the event. "These are not gravestones, these are lives," she said. "These represent lives that were lost and laid down so we can be free."
Retrieved on 16 Dec 2013
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