MONTE VISTA — Wreaths Across America, a non-profit 501-c3 organization, was formed as an extension of the Arlington Wreath Project. 

The Arlington Wreath program was started by Morrill Worcester (Worcester Wreath) in 1992 with the donation and laying of 5000 Christmas wreaths to Arlington National Cemetery. 

This became an annual journey for Mr. Worcester. 

It was relatively obscure until 2005 when a photo of the stones adorned with wreaths and covered in snow circulated around the internet.

The project received National attention.  Thousands of requests poured in from all over the country from people wanting to emulate the Arlington project at their national and state cemeteries spurred the creation of “Wreaths Across America.

Unable to donate thousands of wreaths to each state, Worcester conceived the idea of sending seven wreaths (one for each branch of the military as well as POW/MIA).

In 2007, the Worcester family established the non-profit group Wreaths Across Americ to further promote veterans remembrance.

The mission remember, honor and teach characterized the projects goals perfectly.

The wreath laying, held annually on a Saturday of December was unanimously voted by the U.S. Congress as “Wreaths Across America Day”.  Wreaths Across America would not be successful without the help of the volunteers, many active organizations and the generosity of the trucking industry.

We collectively thank our military and their families for “Our Freedom.”

If you are interested in purchasing a wreath, contact Pam Self at 825-8216.

The cost is $15 per wreath with all orders and money needed by the cut off date of Nov. 29.

Please send your request and money to Pam Self, P.O. Box 97, Homelake, CO 81135.

The wreaths will be delivered to the Colorado Veterans Community Living Center at Homelake. 

The Homelake Cemetery has participated in the program since 2007 and encourages families to purchase a wreath to be placed on a loved ones grave or on a gravesite in memory of a loved one or fallen troop in the cemetery of your choice.  This year’s ceremony will take place on Dec. 14.

Volunteers who would like to help place the wreaths will meet at the Homelake Cemetery, 3749 Sherman Ave., Monte Vista  at 9:00 a.m.

The ceremony will take place once all the wreaths are placed, approximately at 10 a.m. to coincide with the Wreaths Across America official ceremony time.    

Report courtesy of Pam Self.