At Arlington and around the world, volunteers lay wreaths to honor the fallen

Wreaths Across America at Arlington National Cemetery, Dec. 14, 2024. (Joe Gromelski)

ARLINGTON, Va. -- Wreaths Across America continued its tradition of honoring fallen members of the military Saturday in cool, sunny weather at Arlington National Cemetery.

This year, just under 3.1 million wreaths were placed at 4,990 participating locations around the country and overseas. But the spotlight was on Arlington, the destination of the convoy that excited bystanders all the way down the east coast as it carried 262,000 of the fragrant, red-ribboned wreaths down from Maine. Volunteers of all ages collected them from 68 tractor-trailers Saturday and carried them to graves across the cemetery, some people returning to the trucks several times.

And the families of many of those who are buried at Arlington appreciated the effort.

Among those on hand was Patti Elliott, national president of the American Gold Star Mothers, whose son -- Spec. Daniel Lucas Elliott -- was killed in Iraq in 2011.

“I’ve been here on wreath day before,” Elliot said, “but I had the opportunity to ride down in the convoy from Maine this week. To see the excitement, the palpable excitement in the crowds in all these towns we’ve come through … even when we came through the big cities, the overpasses on the interstate, fire trucks were lined up and there were people standing up there waving flags and saluting. It’s just been an amazing experience.’

“It’s heartwarming to see how the American public gets behind an effort like this, and they truly have not forgotten our heroes.”

Morrill Worcester of Harrington, Maine, who started the whole thing in 1992 when he decided to donate some of his excess Worcester Wreath Company inventory to adorn Arlington graves, said the response has been even better than usual this year on his 33^rd trip south.

“I think there was an air of optimism or something for the country (during this year’s convoy),” he said. “We had more people on the sides of the roads than ever. Just more enthusiasm. Every one of the stops we made, the people did a great job. They gave a lot of thought to their program. I’d say they certainly ratcheted it up a little … a lot, actually.”

Worcester recalled that “back in the very beginning, there were only 12 volunteers. Then, as the numbers grew, it just grew faster and faster. It just really took off.”

Retired Portland, Maine police officer Kevin Haley, who has been making the trip since 2003 and now sits on the board of directors of Wreaths Across America, led the usual large contingent of Maine law enforcement officers and directed the tributes at the graves of the Kennedy brothers and President William Howard Taft. Haley has a special interest in being part of the annual event: His brother, Air Force Senior Master Sgt. William Patrick Haley, is buried at Arlington.

“We lost him April 6, 1996 to suicide, PTSD issues that we know of. His wishes were always to be buried here at Arlington National Cemetery.”

Haley knows firsthand how the Wreaths organization can help grieving families.

“I am a much better man, human being, dad, husband and a patriot due to (Morrill Worcester and his wife Karen) teaching us. The core mission is to honor, remember and teach. They have taught me so much, and the biggest lesson they have taught me is how to deal with my brother’s passing away.

“Years ago I used to concentrate on how he died, and they’re teaching me to concentrate on how he lived. It was a very moving moment for me, and for every Gold Star family member or mother to concentrate on how they served.”

Haley also made note of the key role the State of Maine plays in the annual event.

“When Mainers get the call, everybody jumps. But it’s not only Mainers ... there’s a lot of patriotism around the country because of Morrell and Karen Worcester.”

Wreaths Across America at Arlington National Cemetery, Dec. 14, 2024. (Joe Gromelski/Special to Stars & Stripes)

Retired Portland, Maine policeman Kevin Haley leads a delegation to the tomb of President John F. Kennedy during Wreaths Across America at Arlington National Cemetery, Dec. 14, 2024. (Joe Gromelski/Special to Stars & Stripes)

Charlotte Patterson is overcome with emotion after placing a wreath at the grave of her husband, Edward N. Patterson, during Wreaths Across America at Arlington National Cemetery, Dec. 14, 2024. Edward Patterson was a POW during World War II, earning a Silver Star and a Purple Heart, and worked for the CIA after his military days. (Joe Gromelski/Special to Stars & Stripes)

Wreaths Across America at Arlington National Cemetery, Dec. 14, 2024. (Joe Gromelski/Special to Stars & Stripes)

Cumberland, Maine police officer Nicholas D'Ascanio places a wreath during Wreaths Across America at Arlington National Cemetery, Dec. 14, 2024. (Joe Gromelski/Special to Stars & Stripes)

Wreaths Across America at Arlington National Cemetery, Dec. 14, 2024. (Joe Gromelski/Special to Stars & Stripes)

Anthony Shriver, right, says a prayer after laying a wreath at the grave of his uncle, President John F. Kennedy, during Wreaths Across America at Arlington National Cemetery, Dec. 14, 2024. With him are his partner, Catherine Anne Hennessey, and his son, Joseph. (Joe Gromelski/Special to Stars & Stripes)

Chief Petty Officer Conor Ford places a wreath during Wreaths Across America at Arlington National Cemetery, Dec. 14, 2024. (Joe Gromelski/Special to Stars & Stripes)

Wreaths Across America at Arlington National Cemetery, Dec. 14, 2024. (Joe Gromelski/Special to Stars & Stripes)

Morrill Worcester, owner of Worcester Wreath Company of Harrington, Maine and the founder ofWreaths Across America, looks out at the crowd waiting to be allowed into Arlington National Cemetery, Dec. 14, 2024. (Joe Gromelski/Special to Stars & Stripes)

Wreaths Across America at Arlington National Cemetery, Dec. 14, 2024. (Joe Gromelski/Special to Stars & Stripes)

Joe Gromelski

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At Arlington and around the world, volunteers lay wreaths to honor the fallen

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