SAN LUIS VALLEY — Wreaths Across America, a non-profit organization, was formed as an extension of the Arlington Wreath Project. The Arlington Wreath program was started by Morrill Worcester in 1992 with the donation and laying of 5,000 Christmas wreaths to Arlington National Cemetery. This became an annual journey for 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, spurring the creation of “Wreaths Across America.” Unable to donate thousands of wreaths to each state, Mr. 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 America to further promote Veterans remembrance. The mission Remember, Honor and Teach characterized the projects goals perfectly.
The wreath-laying will be held on December 14th, which Congress unanimously voted as “Wreaths Across America Day.” Wreaths Across America would not be successful without the help of volunteers, many active organizations, and the generosity of the trucking industry.
The goal is to have enough wreaths sponsored so that every veteran’s grave at the Homelake Veterans Cemetery will be honored.
If you want to sponsor a wreath, contact Pam Self at 719-825-8216 or 719-849-3154. The cost is $17 per wreath with all orders and money needed by Dec. 1. Please send your request and money to Pam Self, P.O. Box 97, Homelake, CO 81135. Wreath sponsorship for the Homelake Veterans Cemetery can also be completed online at www.wreathsacrossamerica.com/CO0031. The wreaths will be delivered to the Colorado Veterans Community Living Center at Homelake.
This year’s ceremony will take place on Saturday, Dec. 14, at the Homelake Veterans Cemetery at 3749 Sherman Ave., Monte Vista, at 10 a.m. The placement of wreaths will occur after the ceremony so volunteers who would like to help place the wreaths will gather after the ceremony.
