The Arlington Wreath Project - Random Acts of Kindness Spread Across the Nation

by harringtola | December 8, 2008 at 09:00 pm

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In this time of financial need and turmoil for the United States, one of those random acts has prevailed for 17 years. It started in Maine and is still spreading across America. Is this what the first President Bush was referring to when he talked about the "1000 Points of Light"? It must have been. It is called the Arlington Wreath Project. The United States of America has never needed such a wonderful example of patriotism combined with charity more than now.

Wreaths Across America was formed as a non-profit organization (501-C3 status - EIN 20-8362270) in 2007, in direct response to the many letters and requests from supporters all around the Country, about how they too could get involved and bring the Arlington Wreath Project experience to their local communities.

This non-profit organization sprung out of a tradition started and continued for 17 years by a for-profit company the Worcester Wreath Company of Harrington Maine. Imagine that. A company from a small struggling town donating wreaths 10s of thousands of wreaths and finding volunteers to lay them as well.

What started over 17 years ago, as one's man's dream to honor Veterans with Maine wreaths for the holidays, has become an annual event cherished by many.

The Wreaths Across America story began over 15 years ago when Worcester Wreath Company (a for-profit commercial business from Harrington, Maine) began a tradition of placing wreaths on the headstones of our Nation's fallen heroes at Arlington National Cemetery during the holidays.

Over that period of time, Worcester Wreath has donated 90,000 wreaths which were placed by volunteers in a wreath-laying ceremony each December. But as word spread, the mission to Remember; Honor; and Teach about the sacrifices made by our veterans has captured the hearts and minds of many communities across the Country.

In December 2007, 286 participating locations hosted Wreaths Across America ceremonies overseeing the placement of 32,553 wreaths on the headstones of those who served and sacrificed for our freedoms. In 2008 that number will exceed 350 locations and 100,000 wreaths placed in honor!

The experience can be shared by all. There is an open invitation to join on Dec. 13th at 12 noon at any participating location.

Click here for a complete list of participating locations.

What a wonderful experience to share with our children, our families, our neighbors. These are the kinds of heartwarming stories that should be in the news at this time of year and all year round.