Wreaths Across America 2020
DATE AND TIME CHANGE: Wednesday, Dec 16, 2020 - Arrival 9:45AM (there will be no ceremony due to Covid restrictions)
We welcome the Wreaths Across America convoy on its way to Arlington National Ceremony to lay wreaths at the gravesite of all fallen veterans. Out of an abundance of caution for our staff and customers, we invite you to line Route 1 and stand to cheer on the convoy (they will be driving by this year), but ask that you find an alternative place to park and stand other than KTP. If you plan to attend the parade-style event, we suggest parking by 9:15AM so that you do not miss the convoy!
To those of you who join us annually, we look forward to seeing you line Route 1 to support this very meaningful tradition!
If you would like to show your support, please consider sponsoring a wreath by visiting the WAA website HERE.
10,000 donated Christmas wreaths from the state of Maine, housed in enormous trailers, will stop at Kittery Trading Post on the journey to Arlington National Cemetery.
The trailers, escorted by vehicles from the Patriot Guard Riders (motorcycles and flagged vehicles), are scheduled to reach their final destination on Saturday, December 19, 2020 where volunteers will place a wreath on the graves of each veteran.
(Karen & Morrill Worcester of Worcester Wreath Company / Ceremony in KTP Lobby, December 12, 2016)
The Wreaths Across America story began over 28 years ago when Worcester Wreath Company (a for-profit commercial business from Harrington, Maine) found themselves with a surplus of wreaths near the end of the holiday season. Morrill Worcester, owner of Worcester Wreath Company, saw this as an opportunity to pay tribute to our country's fallen heroes. With the assistance of Maine Senator Olympia Snowe, arrangements were made for the wreaths to be placed in one of the older sections of Arlington cemetery that had been receiving fewer visitors with each passing year. This annual rite went on quietly for several years until receiving national attention.
This year will mark the 29th season of wreaths being donated to remember our fallen heroes during the holidays and will also mark the annual parade, where the wreaths will be escorted by dozens of vehicles to show their respect and appreciation.
So let us REMEMBER the fallen who gave up their tomorrows with their family and loved ones for the privilege we are able to share with our families today.
Let us HONOR those who never made it home as these Christmas wreaths from the State of Maine begin the annual trek to their eventual home adorning the graves of our veterans at Arlington National Cemetery.
Let us TEACH our children about the freedoms we enjoy each day and the great cost at which it was obtained.
Visit Wreaths Across America for 2020 Escort to Arlington times & stop locations.
