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COLUMBIA FALLS — The country’s longest veterans’ parade – Wreaths Across America’s annual escort to Arlington National Cemetery – kicks off on Saturday, Dec. 11, and will include a central Maine stop, in Winslow, Sunday, Dec. 12.
National President of American Gold Star Mothers Inc. Jo Ann Maitland and President Emeritus of Gold Star Wives of America Inc. Nancy Menagh will lead the caravan as this year’s Co-Grand Marshals. The official escort leaves Columbia Falls, in Down East Maine, on Dec. 11, and will travel down the East Coast, stopping at schools, memorials, and other locations along the way.
The central Maine stop will be 12:15 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 12, at Winslow VFW 8835, 175 Veteran Drive, Winslow. The stop is after one at Maine Coast Mall in Ellsworth and before one at 3 p.m. at Wiscasset Speedway, in Wiscasset.
Stops will also be held in Vermont, New York, New Jersey, Delaware, Maryland and Washington D.C., before arriving at Arlington National Cemetery on the morning of Saturday, Dec. 18, which is National Wreaths Across America Day.
For a full schedule, click here.
What began 30 years ago as a pilgrimage by Maine wreath maker Morrill Worcester, in a single truck to deliver 5,000 wreaths to Arlington as a gesture of thanks, has become a national mission to remember, honor and teach. National Wreaths Across America Day ceremonies are happening at more than 2,900 locations across the country on Saturday, Dec. 18. The events are free and open to the public. To find participating locations, visit wreathersacrossamerica.org.
“For those who have had the opportunity to participate in the escort of wreaths over the years, it is truly an experience of a lifetime,” said Karen Worcester, executive director, WAA. “The way we and the mission are welcomed into communities, with flags waving and streets lined with children and veterans, is something we always wished every American could witness. This year we’re hoping that supporters will once again join us in lining the roadways safely and welcome the mission into their communities.”
Participants for this year’s convoy include Gold Star Families, Blue Star Families, veterans, volunteers, and members of the Patriot Guard Riders and Patriot Riders. Law enforcement from departments across Maine and other states along the route will provide escort to ensure safe transport for all participants throughout the week.
Nearly 257,000 sponsored wreaths are needed to reach the goal of placing a wreath on every eligible marker at Arlington National Cemetery. To sponsor a $15 veteran’s wreath for this location, visit wreathsacrossamerica.org/ARLING. Volunteers placing wreaths at Arlington will be required to preregister this year and show proof of registration on Wreath Day.
