On Saturday morning, December 18, 2021, a wreath laying ceremony will commence at the Arlington National Cemetery to honor those veterans laid to rest there. The Wreaths Across America story began over 25 years ago when the Worcester Wreath Company from Harrington, Maine initiated a tradition of donating and placing wreaths on the headstones of our nation’s fallen heroes at Arlington National Cemetery. Worcester Wreath Company continues to be a major supporter of the project donating over 25,000 total wreaths each year. Although well over 100,000 wreaths will be sponsored by individuals, businesses and groups from communities nationwide. Wreaths will be placed in all 50 states, at several locations in Iraq, and at 24 national cemeteries on foreign soil.
In 2016, when Texas State Cemetery in Austin, was added as a Wreaths Across America participant, Governor and Mrs. Abbott joined for the ceremony and wreath placements on veteran graves. His remarks to the volunteers gathered truly captured the patriotic mission of this program's mission:
“We're called on today and every day to remember our fallen heroes. We must remember their names, we must remember their lives and we must remember their sacrifice, because we are each entrusted with their legacy of faith in this great nation. May we always remember our troops in harm’s way still today, and may we never forget the price they pay so that we can be free.”
While we have Veterans Day in the fall and Memorial Day in the spring, our servicemen and women sacrifice their time and safety every single day of the year, to preserve our freedoms. And in many homes across the U.S., every day there is an empty seat for one who is serving, or one who made the ultimate sacrifice for our country.
Pack 1910 has the amazing opportunity to be part of this movement recognizing our veterans this holiday season at the Oak Grove Memorial Gardens in Irving while similar ceremonies occur at over 400 other participating locations nationwide – a solemn tribute to those who served and those who made the ultimate sacrifice.
Oak Grove Memorial Gardens began working with the Wreaths Across America project in 2010 with over 300 wreaths donated that first year and placed on the graves of veterans buried throughout the cemetery.
It is my understanding that there will be a formal ceremony again this year led by the fire department and police honor guards. As such, upon arrival, please park and make your way near the tent on the west side. You won't be able to miss it. After that takes place, we will be present to do what we are tasked with -- placing wreaths on the graves of the designated veterans and throughout the cemetery.
What's asked of our participants is a small prayer of thanksgiving and remembrance be said as each wreath is laid upon the headstones and make an active gesture by reading the name of the veteran buried there. Honoring our commitment to never forget.
Pack 1910 was proud to be a part of this event the last several years and made a commitment to honor those who have served by continuing to participate each year as our Duty to Country. A Scoutbook event notification was e-mailed to the Pack. Please RSVP there and include in the comment section your family's full head count so we know if we should expect you. Scouts should be in full field uniform, but dress for the weather, obviously. We're going from 80 to 30 in a mere hours so who knows what the forecast will be.
We hope you consider participating in this community event of remembrance. What's 60 minutes out of the Christmas season, compared to our veterans’ years of service in locations far from home?
