Thousands Of Maine Wreaths Begin Journey Across Country

WCSH-TV - Portland, ME, USA

Posted By: Priya Sridhar Posted By: Kristin DiCara

BANGOR (NEWS CENTER) -- More than 105,000 wreaths began a journey from Harrington to Arlington National Cemetery and other military memorials and cemeteries across the country on Sunday.

The 17 year tradition was founded by Morrill Worcester of Harrington. Wreaths for America began 17 years ago when Worcester's wreath company had 5,000 extra wreaths.

"It was a mistake. I had 5,000. I bought too many wreaths back in 1992," he said. "I won a trip to Washington. One of the things I saw was Arlington, and it just stuck with me. And when I had those wreaths left over, I just didn't want to throw them away. I thought it would be nice to get permission to do that, to put them on the graves in Arlington."

Worcester stopped on his journey in Bangor for a ceremony with the area's veterans.

"Eventually you have to remember the veterans of the past so we can pass on the... memories to those who keep coming," said William Pollock, a veteran.

The ceremony included a POW-MIA ceremony and singing from children from Milo.

"To me the most powerful was those young children singing at the end, it brought tears to my eyes...just their actions trying to emulate adults. I think...it just brought out things that possibly might happen in the future that I hope those children never have to be part of," said Mark Lovell, a Bangor veteran.

The wreaths are scheduled to reach their final destination Saturday, December 13.