Wreaths Across America Convoy Comes Through Rockland, Enroute To Arlington Cemetery

Rockland, Maine - The Wreaths Across America convoy made up of dozens of vehicles from fire trucks to semi-trucks came through Rockland, Maine Sunday, December 11th, 2016 on it's way to lay wreaths at Arlington Cemetery.

Apart of the convoy through Maine, there was a ceremony held at Medomak Valley High School. At 2:00 pm in the Ronald E. Dolloff auditorium, MVHS students reverently read names of those killed in action in wars from Maine.  Attendees were asked to sit quietly and listen to these names while waiting for the convoy to arrive and/or they may watch the convoy progress on a big screen in the gymnasium.

A bake sale was held to benefit Wreaths Across America.

The convoy arrived at approximately 3:00 pm.  Numerous tractor trailer trucks loaded with handmade wreaths and specially decorated vehicles carrying Gold Star family members and dignitaries, including motorcycle honor guards, arrived with an escort of law enforcement vehicles and firetrucks driven by Knox and Lincoln first-responders.  In a short ceremony in the Medomak Valley High School gymnasium, Members of the Knox and Lincoln Honor Guard presented veterans and representative dignitaries from their five town communities with honorary wreaths.  Students sang the national anthem and played taps.  The Pemaquid Chapter of the DAR lead the singing of God Bless America.   People were asked to wear red, white, and blue and bring flags to wave to participate in Wreaths Across America's mission to remember, honor and teach!

Every year since 1992, wreaths from Maine have been transported to Arlington National Cemetery to be placed on the graves of veterans for the holiday.  Since that time, Wreaths Across America has become an annual national endeavor.  The escort to Arlington starts December 11, 2016 in Harrington Maine, and finishes on December 17, 2016 at Arlington National Cemetery.