Wreaths Across America short 30,000 wreaths for Arlington

Service members put down wreaths at veterans’ graves.

Wreaths Across America (WAA) is short 30,000 wreaths for its annual wreath laying event at Arlington National Cemetery.

In December each year, WAA coordinates the delivery of wreaths to veterans’ graves across the nation. Truck drivers and fleets volunteer to deliver the wreaths to these cemeteries.

About 230,000 wreaths are needed to cover each section and grave at Arlington on Dec. 12.

“We need help today to honor all those who served and made the ultimate sacrifice,” said Karen Worcester, executive director of WAA. “Each individual wreath is a gift of respect and appreciation, given by a private citizen or organization and placed on the graves by volunteers as a small gesture of gratitude for the freedoms we enjoy.”

Wreaths Across America started when founder Morrill Worcester, a businessman from Maine whose company makes wreaths, delivered 5,000 wreaths he donated to Arlington in 1992. The program has expanded into a national effort, laying wreaths at veterans’ graves at cemeteries and other location across the country.

Wreaths are donated by the Worcester Wreath Company, located in Harrington, Maine. To sponsor a wreath at Arlington, visit WAA online here.