National Nonprofit Wreaths Across America Announces New Theme for 2025

“Keep Moving Forward”

Columbia Falls, Maine, Jan. 07, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Wreaths Across America (WAA), the national nonprofit whose year-long mission is to Remember the fallen, Honor those who serve, and Teach our children the value of freedom, proudly announces its theme for 2025: “Keep Moving Forward.”

Each year, millions of volunteers and patriots gather in local, state, and national cemeteries across all 50 states and abroad to pay tribute to our nation’s service

VIDEO SPECIAL: Wreaths Across America 2017 Convoy at Rockland Maine

Rockland, Maine- The 2017 Wreaths Across America Convoy makes its way through Rockland, Maine on it's way to Arlington National Cemetery.

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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.

Wreaths Across America Schedules Medomak Valley High School Stop December 11th, 2016

Waldoboro, Maine - 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.

For the second year, MEDOMAK VALLEY HIGH SCHOOL is included in the impressive list of stops on the first day of the convoy, DECEMBER 11, 2016.  

For those interested, beginning at 2:00 pm in the Ronald E. Dolloff auditorium, MVHS students will reverently read names of those killed in action in wars from Maine.  Attendees may 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 will be held to benefit Wreaths Across America.

The convoy is expected to arrive 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 motorcyle honor guards, will arrive 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 will present veterans and representative dignitaries from our five town communities with honorary wreaths.  Students will sing the national anthem and play taps.  The Pemaquid Chapter of the DAR will lead the singing of God Bless America.   Wear red, white, and blue and bring flags to wave to participate in Wreaths Across America's mission to remember, honor and teach!

Video, Photos: Wreaths Across America Convoy Through Rockland

Rockland, Maine - Dozens of semi-trailer trucks, police departments and fire departments and other vehicles went through Rockland, Maine on Sunday, December 6th, 2015 apart of Wreaths Across America.

Wreaths Across America is 501(c)3 non-profit organization formed in 2007 as an extension of The Arlington Wreath Project, with over 700 participating locations in all 50 states, and 24 national veteran cemeteries on foreign soil.

Now, Wreaths Across America has over 900 participating locations, all focused on the mission to Remember, Honor, and Teach.

Governor and First Lady Join Thousands of Wreaths Across America Volunteers at Arlington National Cemetery

More than 25,000 volunteers remember, honor and teach
On Saturday, Governor Paul R. LePage and First Lady Ann M. LePage participated in the annual Wreaths Across America remembrance ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery where more than 142,000 remembrance wreaths were placed on graves. The Governor and First Lady joined more than 25-thousand volunteers from across the country to remember those who have served our nation with dignity and honor.

Governor LePage and Mrs. LePage also placed a wreath at the mast of the U.S.S. Maine with various members of Maine law enforcement, including officers from the Portland Police Department. The U.S.S. Maine mast was removed from the ship in 1905 shortly before the ship was taken out to sea and sunk with military honors. The mast was then installed above a memorial in Arlington National Cemetery in honor of those who lost their lives when the ship sank in Havana, Cuba, Harbor in 1898. This sinking was the event that started off the Spanish-American War.

Since 1992, Morrill and Karen Worcester, founders of Worcester Wreath Company in Harrington, Maine have organized a group of volunteers to place wreaths in Arlington, Virginia. This is the third year, Maine’s First Lady Ann LePage traveled with the Wreaths Across America convoy – referred to as “The Arlington Project” – from Maine to Arlington National Cemetery, which began on Sunday, December 8.

“Nearly 100 carriers donated equipment and fuel for transporting the wreaths nationwide and more than 200 professional truck drivers donated their time,” she said. “The support this project has received is overwhelming and it makes me proud to be an American. I truly appreciate the effort of these volunteers. ”

On Friday evening, the Governor and First Lady attended a rally in College Park Maryland for Wreaths Across America volunteers. The rally was held at Moose Lodge to welcome everyone and thank them for their time. “It’s an honor to be here with so many great people from across the country who are remembering and honoring America’s heroes,” Governor LePage said. “The Wreaths Across America mission says it all. Remember the fallen, honor those who serve and their families, and teach our children the value of freedom,” he added.                            

For many years the Arlington project, had been the quiet mission of Morrill Worcester and his family. In 2006, internet stories fueled attention for his annual quest, and Worcester was contacted by the Patriot Guard Riders who generously offered their help with the project. Since then the Patriot Guard Riders have escorted the wreath trucks down the East Coast and taking several days to make the trip. This allows stops at schools, monuments, veterans’ homes and communities, and gives the group an opportunity to promote their mission: Remember-Honor and Teach. This “parade” of truckers, supporters, and well-wishers has become an annual event and teaching opportunity for Wreaths Across America, and a valued part of the Arlington Project.

First Lady Ann LePage to Join the Wreaths Across America Convoy for the 3rd Year in a Row

Mrs. LePage Will Travel by Motorcycle From Maine to Virginia

Augusta, Maine – Maine’s First Lady Ann LePage will join Wreaths Across America in the activities and annual convoy – referred to as “The Arlington Project” – from Maine to Arlington National Cemetery beginning at 11:30 a.m., Sunday, December 8. The journey will start at the Bank of America building located on Route 3 in Belfast.

“I have really adopted the Wreaths Across America mission since becoming Maine’s First Lady - to remember the fallen, honor those who serve and their families, and teach our children the value of freedom,” LePage said. “The placing of the wreaths in Arlington is such a powerful experience. The last two years, I’ve alternated between the tractor trailer trucks of the convoy from Maine to Arlington. But, the convoy is escorted by patriotic motorcyclists. I truly appreciate the effort of these volunteers. Not everyone will ride a motorcycle in December from Maine to Virginia. That’s why I decided this year, to show my appreciation, I’ll join them!”

Since 1992, the Arlington project, had been the quiet mission of Morrill Worcester and his family. In 2006, internet stories fueled attention for his annual quest, and Worcester was contacted by the Patriot Guard Riders who generously offered their help with the project. Since then the Patriot Guard Riders have escorted the wreath trucks down the East Coast and taking several days to make the trip. This allows stops at schools, monuments, veterans’ homes and communities, and gives the group an opportunity to promote their mission: Remember-Honor and Teach. This “parade” of truckers, supporters, and well-wishers has become an annual event and teaching opportunity for Wreaths Across America, and a valued part of the Arlington Project.

For more information about Wreaths Across America, their mission, and to view the schedule of this year’s events, please visit http://www.wreathsacrossamerica.org/events/escort-to-arlington/.

Wreaths Across America Convoy Coming to Your Hometown

WHAT: With the help of thousands of volunteers, Wreaths Across America (WAA) is working to fulfill its mission to Remember, Honor and Teach through the annual laying of wreaths at Arlington National Cemetery. The wreaths’ journey to Arlington has become a tradition in itself, allowing locals along the route to share in the emotional and educational experience as the WAA convoy passes through their hometown. On Sunday, Dec. 8, the parade of wreaths will be traveling through Harrington, Ellsworth and Rockland, Maine, where there will be community remembrance ceremonies; all are welcome to join.

The journey to Arlington National Cemetery will begin the previous day in Harrington, Maine, and will travel down the East Coast, stopping along the way to visit schools, veterans’ homes, monuments and communities. The convoy will arrive in Arlington on National Wreaths Across America Day, Saturday, Dec. 14, where it will be met by thousands of volunteers who will place a wreath for the individuals who served to protect the freedoms of our country, ensuring no one is forgotten.

WHEN: Sunday, Dec. 8, 2013
            7:30 a.m. Worcester Wreath Co.
10:00 a.m. Ellsworth American Legion Hall
2:00 p.m. Camden, Rockport and Rockland (parade only)

WHERE: Worcester Wreath Co., 1013 North Street, Harrington
            Ellsworth American Legion Hall, 163 Bar Harbor Road, Ellsworth
             Elks Lodge, 210 Rankin Street, Rockland

WHO: Morrill and Karen Worcester, founder and executive director (respectively), Wreaths Across America
            American Gold Star Families
            Maine’s First Lady Ann LePage
            Active and retired military
            Patriot Guard Riders

Wreaths Across America Delivered

ARLINGTON, Va. (Dec. 15, 2012) Ensign Samantha Diggs and Ensign Lorna Chandler, assigned to Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, place wreaths on veterans' tombstone during the 2012 Wreaths Across America event at the Arlington National Cemetery. More than 100,000 wreaths were placed on tombstones to honor fallen Soldiers, Marines, Sailors and Airman. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Kiona Miller/Released)

Wreaths Across America Makes Stop in Portland

Public ceremony welcomes convoy as it heads south to Arlington National Cemetery

What: Next month, the City of Portland will welcome the annual Wreaths Across America convoy as it heads south for its annual wreath laying ceremony at the Arlington National Cemetery in Washington DC. As a result, Ocean Ave from Walton Street to Payson Park, Read Street and Canco Road will be closed to traffic while the motorcade travels to and from Cheverus High School (approximately 4:30 – 5:30 PM).

First conceived in 1992 by Morrill Worcester, President of the Worcester Wreath Company in Harrison, Maine, the project has grown to include the delivery of more than 20,000 wreaths to the Arlington National Cemetery and deliveries to more than four hundred local, state and national veteran’s cemeteries and