By Michele Taranto

Wreaths Across American began many years ago in the eyes of a 12-year-old paper boy during a trip to Washington DC. Ingrained in Morrill Worcester’s childhood memory was the hundreds of thousands of graves at Arlington Cemetery and the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. In the 1992 holiday season, Worcester Wreath used a surplus of holiday wreaths and Worcester used the opportunity to honor veterans in America’s cemetery. 

Through Worcester’s vision, generous volunteers decorated, transported, and placed the wreaths on the graves of fallen soldiers in older sections of the cemetery that experienced fewer visitors each year. This tribute went on quietly for over a decade, until 2005, when pictures of the Arlington stones adorned with wreaths circulated the internet and not only did requests come in with donors wanting to help, but thousands more wanted to emulate the event at national and state cemeteries. 

Worcester answered and expanded the memorial by sending seven wreaths to each state, one for each branch of the military and an additional in tribute to POW/MIAs. Just a year later, formal wreath ceremonies were being held at over 150 locations across the country. 

In 2007, the Worcester family, along with veteran organizations and groups who had assisted in Arlington Cemetery formed Wreaths Across America, a 501 (3) (c), non-profit organization to expand the effort, with a simple, yet powerful mission: REMEMBER. HONOR. TEACH. REMEMBER fallen U.S. veterans, Honor those who serve, and TEACH children the value of freedom.

Just one year later, over 300 locations held wreath-laying ceremonies in every state, Puerto Rico and 24 overseas cemeteries. Over 100,000 wreaths were placed on veterans’ graves, over 60,000 volunteers participated, and December 13, 2008 was unanimously voted by the United States Congress as “Wreaths Across America Day.”

This is Norwood’s seventh season in participating in Wreaths Across America where holiday wreaths will be placed on local service men and women’s graves at Highland and Old Parish Cemeteries. This year’s theme is, ‘Live with Purpose.’

The event will take place on Saturday, Dec, 14, 12 noon, Highland Cemetery. Volunteers and visitors are encouraged to arrive between 11:30 and 11:45 a.m., as the minute of silence across Norwood America and islands begins at 12 noon.

This year’s event will include local veteran representatives, families sharing personal stories of loved ones, and spokespeople from support organizations.

Derek Wennerstrand will be the M/C as the Veteran’s Agent for the town of Norwood.  Cynthia Postler will ask Chris Donovan if he is available to fly over with his Apache Tomahawk like last year as that made a huge impact on the attendees.

A young gentleman (Jake Myles) who interviewed his grandfather for this event will share what he learned by listening to a story inspired by last year’s message, Take the Time to Listen.

Another youth, Zach Skutt, is speaking in honor of his grandfather who is a Vietnam War Veteran and was a Sergeant in the Security Police in the Airforce. His medals include: National Defense, Small arms expert, Outstanding Unit citation with valor, The longevity ribbon, Vietnam war Campaign medal with two bronze service stars, Republic of South Vietnam campaign medal, and Eagle feather presented by the Seneca Nation of Indians in recognition as a true warrior.

George Curtis, Jr will speak on behalf of the Norwood Historical Society (his father is the most highly decorated veteran in Highland Cemetery). 

Tom Saumweber will also speak as an Ecolab District Manager for this area and has four grandparents who are veterans.

Dave Campisano and Stacy Coyne will represent 22Mohawks, which is a non-profit organization that brings awareness to veteran suicide, creates events to bring veterans, their families, and communities together, and have a partnership with Professional Canine Services to connect disabled veterans with companions rescued from kill shelters. 

“I have asked my speakers to focus in on how they live with purpose in their daily lives,” Andrea Reed. location coordinator representing Econolab said. “I am also looking to have a board at the event for attendees to add thoughts on Living with Purpose.  We welcome anyone who would like to participate and remember the fallen, honor those who serve, and teach our next generation the value of freedom. 

Norwood donations have steadily supported this event the past six years, however, more supporters are needed to purchase wreaths and volunteers to lay the wreaths on the graves. Wreaths are 100% donation based and can be purchased for Norwood cemeteries by visiting https://wreathsacrossamerica.org/pages/158150/Overview/?relatedId=0, click on the Red sponsor button. As of press date, Norwood has received 124 sponsored wreaths, 3% of their goal. Let’s go Norwood, we can do this!

This program thrives on generosity and there is still time left to donate to a veteran. For the price of a few cups of coffee, a fallen local veteran will be honored this holiday season. An individual wreath sponsorship is $17, 5 for $85, or 12 for $204. 

Wreaths Across America is a venue to not only pay tribute to this country’s military, but an opportunity to pause and reflect on the meaning of holidays, and honoring those who have sacrificed so U.S. citizens can celebrate with family and friends.

For more information on Wreaths Across America or to donate, visit www.wreathsacrossamerica.org.