WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators Susan Collins and Angus King today announced that the United States Senate unanimously passed a Resolution they authored and introduced designating Saturday, December 13, 2014 as “Wreaths Across America Day.”
 
On that day, a convoy of Mainers is scheduled to arrive at Arlington National Cemetery with the goal of laying approximately 230,000 Maine-made balsam wreaths at each grave site of our nation's fallen soldiers and veterans.  The Patriot Guard Riders will continue their tradition of escorting tractor-trailers filled with donated wreaths from Harrington, Maine to Arlington National Cemetery. This is the 23rd consecutive year that Morrill Worcester, owner of Worcester Wreath Company in Harrington, will make this generous donation. In addition to Arlington National Cemetery, wreaths will be placed in veterans cemeteries around the country and the world.
 
“Wreaths Across America honors our departed heroes, but it does even more.  It tells the Veterans still with us that we honor their service,” Senator Collins said.  “It tells our men and women in uniform today that we are grateful for their courage and devotion to duty.  It tells the families of those serving our country that they are in our thoughts and prayers.  And it tells the families of the fallen that we share their grief.”

“Over the years, Wreaths Across America has grown from a quiet tribute to a nationally-celebrated symbol of appreciation for our nation’s heroes,” Senator King said. “It is yet another opportunity for us to join together to express our unwavering gratitude for those who have given their lives in service to our country, for those who continue to carry that mantle today, and for their families who share in the honor and sacrifice of service as well.”

The Resolution also honors the Patriot Guard Riders and all of the volunteers and donors involved with this worthy tradition, and it recognizes the sacrifices that our veterans, members of the Armed Forces, and their families have made, and continue to make, for our great nation.
 

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