Veteran’s Day is November 11, the day America honors those who serve, or have served at some point. Parades, special programs at schools, graveside ceremonies…all intended to honor and thank those who protect our freedoms. But their time, dedication and sacrifices aren’t limited to a single day, and many believe our displays of thankfulness shouldn’t be limited, either. Wreaths Across America was begun by one individual, Mainer Morril Worcester, who was motivated by gratitude.
As a lad of 12, he won a trip to Washington, DC and visited the Arlington National Cemetery. Seeing all of those graves, and the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, touched him, leaving a lifetime impression. As he grew into adulthood, he realized that his freedom and good fortune were partially due to those who serve. In 1992 his business, Worcester Wreath, had more wreaths than needed for sales. With the help of a senator, he made arrangements to send the surplus wreaths to an older portion of Arlington Cemetery, where fewer visitors come. Other businesses and individuals volunteered to decorate, transport and accompany the wreaths on their trip to DC. Members of the Maine State Society organized the wreath-laying, and a special ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. This ceremony continued annually, low key, until a picture circulated on the internet in 2005. This poignant picture showed the graves, decorated by the wreaths with bright red bows, in the snow. It went viral.
Requests came in to purchase wreaths to send to Arlington, other requests wanted to honor the local veterans in much the same way. Thus, Wreaths Across America was born. Americans are grateful to the veterans, and the overwhelming wish to honor them became more than Worcester Wreaths could handle. In 2007 the Worcester family and many other groups supporting veterans formed Wreaths Across America, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that continues to expand to this day. Their theme is ‘Live With Purpose!’ Visit their website to find out more. Melinda Easton and Jessica Ledford did, and made the commitment to bring this local.
Melinda and Jessica are adult members of American Heritage Girls, OH 1703. American Heritage Girls (AHG) is a Christian, Faith-based organization which seeks to build women of integrity; working with girls from 5-18 through service to God, family and community. The local chapter meets in Randolph on Thursday at 6:30 from September to May. Along with the meetings, they incorporate crafts, horses, hiking, throughout the year and have a family camp at Camp Elkhorn at the end of May. Activities change as the girls age, keeping their interest and enthusiasm as they mature.
American Heritage Girls often coordinate meetings and events with Trail Life USA, a separate entity for boys. A Christian Faith-based organization as well, Trail Life challenges boys to grow in character, serve their community and follow Christ. This troop simultaneously meets in Randolph on Thursdays. In addition to meetings, activities include hiking, camping and fishing as they progress through their age-related curricula. Although these two organizations are separate entities, they come together in Atwater under the OH-1703 designation.
Girls in AHG earn badges, which are often worn on vests at their meetings. These denote milestones achievements as they learn and progress. Boys in Trail Life wear a lanyard with ‘branches’ filled in on their tree as they achieve their milestones.
This reporter was invited to attend a meeting to both learn more about these organizations, and about their involvement with Wreaths Across America. The meeting began with a color guard progression, and a young lad bringing the meeting to order. Jessica and Melinda shared their idea of having the groups become involved to honor the veterans resting at the Hillside. They presented a video and shared details about the special day, December 14, National Wreaths Across America Day. It was suggested as a way to honor and teach about our veterans.
There are 309 veteran graves at Hillside. These groups hope to encourage wreath sponsorships, so every single veteran is remembered and honored. The ceremony will begin at 10:00am, rain or shine, on the new side of Hillside Cemetery, near the chapel. American Heritage Girls OH1703 and Trail Life 1703 and will assist in the ceremony by leading the Pledge of Allegiance, and helping to place the wreaths. They are looking for people to sponsor wreaths. Each wreath is $17.00 to sponsor.
Interested in sponsoring a wreath? Please go to https://www.wreathsacrossamerica.org/OH0437. All wreaths will be delivered to the Hillside Cemetary in time for the December 14 ceremony. If you know a member of either HGA or Trail Life, you know they are actively encouraging sponsorship. Not computer savvy? You could call 877-385-9504 and mention Troop OHO437 for Hillside Sponsorship.
What makes a Veteran’s Wreath? Each wreath is comprised of 10 bouquets, which reflect 10 strengths veterans share. Faith, love, strength, honesty, humility, ambition, optimism, concern, pride and hopes and dreams are represented by each bouquet. The bouquets are evergreen, to denote longevity. The forest trees represent purity and simplicity, and the bouquets are arranged in a circular pattern to symbolize eternity. The all-important hand-tied red bow symbolizes the great sacrifice made by these brave men and women.
The meeting progressed, and came to a conclusion with many happy and excited boys and girls. Adults were also excited to participate in such a worthy undertaking. WAA mission statement is Remember, Honor and Teach. Remember the fallen, honor those presently serving and teach the next generation the value of freedom. All present, this reporter included, were moved to make this a success!
How are you celebrating Veteran’s Day? This reporter will be thanking my favorite veteran, aka hubs (maybe taking him out to dinner,) honoring my father who served in WWII and visiting his resting place, and attending a special program at my granddaughters’ school. But now, along with members of Heritage Girls and Trail Life USA, I will also be sponsoring a wreath or two to remember the local heroes resting at Hillside Cemetery on December 14th at 10:00am. Join us?
