Many have purchased one wreath, some others have ordered more than one. Various organizations also have pooled their money and purchased multiple wreaths.
“They are $17 each – about what you’d spend at a fast food restaurant nowdays,” she said.
But this year has been a tough one.Due to inflation, it seems the donations have slowed and time is of the essence.
“We have to put in our order by December 4,” Smith said. “I think we’ll get as many as we had last year, but naturally, we’d like to see a wreath on every veteran’s site at our facility.”
The history of Wreaths Across America can be traced back to 1992. That’s when the Worcester family of Harrington, Maine – who own their own tree farm – had a surplus of wreaths. So the family patriarch, Morrill Worcester – who had long felt indebted to our fallen veterans – came up with a plan,
He got help from a Maine politician to have those spare wreaths placed beside graves in Arlington National Cemetery in areas that received fewer visitors each year.
Several volunteers stepped up to help, including veterans from American Legion and Veterans of Foreign Wars posts as well as a trucking company owner who transported the wreaths to Arlington, Virginia.
A small ceremony was held at the cemetery’s Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. This remained yearly tradition for nearly 15 years until a photo taken at the 2005 ceremony went viral. Almost immediately, thousands of people wanted to know how to help or how they could begin a similar tradition in their own states.
Over the years it has burgeoned to literally millions of wreaths placed on veterans graves across the country – including here in Highlands County.
“There are also other programs they now have developed, especially for the children,” Smith said. “We can get lesson plans for all grade levels for teachers who are interested.”
Earlier this year, Lakeview Memorial Gardens hosted the Wreaths Across America Mobile Education Exhibit. Set up in the parking lot of the Lakeshore Mall, it represents the TEACH pillar of the Wreaths Across America mission.
That is where information about Veterans and those who serve our country is shared along with plans on how everyone can play a part in remembering and honoring them.
“This mobile exhibit really is an exceptional way of getting our young people involved in learning about our freedoms and the sacrifices of our military men and women,” she said.
Deadline for ordering wreaths is December 4, the wreath laying ceremony is December 14.
Those wanting to learn more about the program or purchase wreaths, may call Smith at Lakeview Memorial Gardens.
The number is 863-658-4265.
