In December 1992 in Harrington, Maine, when wreath maker Morrill Worcester found himself with a surplus of 5,000 wreaths during the holiday season. Worcester saw the surplus as an opportunity to pay tribute to our country’s veterans and with the help of Maine Senator Olympia Snowe, arranged for the wreaths to be placed at Arlington National Cemetery. This annual tribute to our country’s veterans has continued ever since, touching the lives of millions of veterans’ families and volunteers and growing in scope through the years.
In 2007, the Worcester family along with veterans and volunteers formed the non-profit organization Wreaths Across America to continue and expand their efforts at Arlington National Cemetery and to support those around the country who wished to do the same. Wreaths Across America’s mission is simple: Remember the fallen, Honor those that serve, and Teach the next generation about the value of freedom. Morrill’s wife, Karen, has served as the organization’s volunteer Executive Director since the non-profit was created and today oversees what has become a massive volunteer organization that continues to grow. In 2021 alone, Wreaths Across America and its national network of volunteers placed over 2.4 million veterans’ wreaths at over 3,100 locations in all 50 U.S. states, at sea, and abroad. Here in Claremore, this will be our fifth year hosting a ceremony and last year we were able to have 2,432 wreaths sponsored and were the #1 location in Oklahoma.
This year, National Wreaths Across America day will be held on Saturday, December 17th, 2022. Locally, a ceremony will begin at 11 am at Woodlawn Cemetery followed by placement of wreaths at both Woodlawn and Oak Haven cemeteries located at 310 S. Nome, Claremore, where local veterans are laid to rest. This is open to anyone who would like to attend. We will visit five other local cemeteries on December 16th to place wreaths as well.
In 2021, although there were 2432 wreaths placed at 7 local cemeteries, there were still many veterans without a remembrance wreath. This year our goal is to place 3000 wreaths. With your generosity, we are hoping to meet this goal and ensure no veteran is forgotten. Each hand made, fresh, live wreath cost $15 to sponsor and is made in the United States with Maine balsam. However, for every 2 wreaths sponsored National Wreaths Across America will give us a free wreath which will greatly impact our project. These wreaths are not grave specific and will remain at chosen local cemeteries.
On behalf of the volunteers and military families looking to honor all the veterans laid to rest in Claremore and the Wreaths Across America extended family, I thank you for your consideration of this patriotic cause. Please use the enclosed sponsorship form and mail your tax deductible donation to:
Claremore Elks Lodge
c/o Wreaths Across America
PO Box 86
Claremore, OK 74018
or you may sponsor online at www.wreathsacrossamerica.org/OK0076. (You must use this unique link in order for us to receive the free wreaths).
