Wreaths Across America 2017

We invite you to join us at Kittery Trading Post on Monday, December 11, as we host a visit from Wreaths Across America.  Estimated arrival of the convoy at the store is scheduled for approximately 11:30am. 

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 16, 2017 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 25 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 26th 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.