Wreaths Across America (WAA) is inviting Americans across the country to take part in some manner in observance of the 25th anniversary of the 9/11 attack on the World Trade Center.
The group, started by Morrill Worcester in Harrington, Maine as an act of gratitude had wreaths from his own wreath company placed on graves at Arlington National Cemetery for many years, and the response that created resulted in the founding of the nonprofit organization in 2007. His mission remains as he designated it, built on the adage to Remember, Honor, Teach.
At least six Maine residents lost their lives on 9/11, and many more lost their lives after signing up to serve in the nation’s military as a result of the attack.
Honoring 9/11, WAA is urging participation in any way to honor Remember, Honor Teach, adage, whether by joining a local flag-waving or sharing their own tribute using #FlagsAcrossTheCountry, creating a coast-to-coast display of unity that will be shared and livestreamed on WAA’s Facebook page. Participants will also take part in the National Anthem, Pledge of Allegiance, and sharing of stories, and are encouraged to pause together during four moments of silence marking the exact times the attacks unfolded — 8:46 a.m., 9:03 a.m., 9:37 a.m., and 10:03 a.m.
At Mount Mitchill, the highest point on the East Coast, where hundreds gathered 25 years ago shocked by the devastation they witnessed across the water in New York, Monmouth County comes together to pause, reflect and honor those whose lives were taken on that tragic day.
The Monmouth County Board of County Commissioners will host its annual September 11 Memorial Ceremony this Friday, September 11, at 8 a.m. at Mount Mitchill Scenic Overlook, 460 Ocean Boulevard, Atlantic Highlands.
The public is invited to join county officials, first responders, families and members of the community for this special ceremony of remembrance as we honor the victims of September 11 and ensure that their stories – and their memories – are never forgotten.
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Wreaths Across American has highlighted why memories of devastating , sorrowful, or simply sad events have deep impacts especially on children. It was Worcester’s own memories as a 12-year-old that inspired his placing wreaths to remember, honor and teach,.
WAA grew out of his own desire to Remember Honor and Teach. The owner of a wreath company in Worcester, Maine, in 1992 found himself with a surplus of wreaths late in the holiday season. Rather than let them go to waste, he arranged to have them placed at Arlington National Cemetery. It was a place he had visited as a 12-year-old and never forgot. He wanted his own children to experience that same sense of gratitude and respect for those who served.
For nearly 15 years, the annual placement of wreaths remained a quiet family tradition. Everything changed in 2005, when a photograph of the snow-covered wreaths at Arlington went viral online. People from across the country began reaching out, asking how they could do the same for their own loved ones including elderly widows on fixed incomes who simply wanted to sponsor one wreath for a husband or child who had served. That response led to the founding of the nonprofit organization in 2007, with a yearlong mission built around three words: Remember, Honor, Teach.
The organization was co-founded by Karen Worcester and her husband, Morrill Worcester. Karen remains a full-time volunteer and the organization is governed by a Board of Directors. Members of the Board and key staff are on the website: www.wreathsacrossamerica.org
Although best known for National Wreaths Across America Day each December, the organization’s mission is a year-round dedication, and includes coordinating wreath-laying ceremonies at Arlington National Cemetery and more than 5,600 participating locations nationwide and overseas, honoring living veterans and their families through programs and outreach; supporting active-duty service members, veterans, and Gold Star families throughout the year. Through the organization’s Group Sponsorship Program, more than $32 million has been given back to other nonprofits and veteran service organizations since 2007.
WAA’s dedication to education is proven in its developing curriculum and educational materials for schools, including partnerships with organizations like the Library of Congress and the Congressional Medal of Honor Society, aimed at teaching children about service, sacrifice, and the cost of freedom. For outreach and growth, WAA works with new communities, schools, and veteran service organizations to expand participation. Last year more than 700 new locations joined the mission.
WAA also has captured and preserved oral histories and personal stories from service members and Gold Star families, so they aren’t lost to time, and shares them through Wreaths Across America Radio and other channels.
As a result of their efforts, WAA cites the number of communities who have taken ownership of remembering their local veterans, and the many children who, as a result, better understand what that sacrifice actually costs.
Wreaths Across America does not operate on a traditional “membership” model; there is no cap on participation and no formal enrollment required to take part. Instead, involvement happens in a few different ways:
Volunteers: On average, more than two million people participate in some volunteer capacity each year through wreath-laying ceremonies and local events, roughly a third of whom are children. More than 5,600 cemeteries and locations across all 50 states, Puerto Rico, and select overseas sites now take part, with new locations able to apply to join the network at any time ; there were over 700 new locations added last year alone.
Sponsors: Individuals can make a $17 sponsorship which includes the placement of a live, balsam veteran’s wreath, support of the year-round mission, and if sponsorship is made through a registered group, $5 either goes back to support a local nonprofit and veteran service organization, or $5 goes towards an additional wreath. Local groups and coordinators, including many in Monmouth County, have registered to lead a local ceremony or fundraising effort.
Anyone can get involved as a volunteer, sponsor, or by registering a new location through wreathsacrossamerica.org.
