III 112th CONGRESS 2d Session S. RES. 611 IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES December 6, 2012 Ms. Collins (for herself and Ms. Snowe) submitted the following resolution; which was considered and agreed to RESOLUTION Designating December 15, 2012, as Wreaths Across America Day.

Whereas, 21 years ago, the Wreaths Across America project began an annual tradition, during the month of December, of donating, transporting, and placing Maine balsam fir holiday wreaths on the graves of the fallen heroes buried at Arlington National Cemetery; Whereas, since that tradition began, through the hard work and generosity of the individuals involved in the Wreaths Across America project, more than 350,000 wreaths have been sent to more than 800 locations, including national cemeteries and veterans memorials in every State, and to locations overseas; Whereas the mission of the Wreaths Across America project to Remember, Honor, Teach is carried out in part by coordinating wreath-laying ceremonies at Arlington National Cemetery as well as veterans cemeteries and other locations in all 50 States; Whereas the Wreaths Across America project carries out a week-long veterans parade between Maine and Virginia, stopping along the way to spread a message about the importance of remembering the fallen heroes of the United States, honoring those who serve, and teaching the people of the United States about the sacrifices made by veterans and their families to preserve our freedoms; Whereas, in 2011, wreaths were sent to more than 700 locations across the United States and overseas, 180 more locations than the previous year; Whereas, in December 2012, the Patriot Guard Riders, a motorcycle and motor vehicle group that is dedicated to patriotic events and includes more than 250,000 members nationwide, will continue their tradition of escorting a tractor-trailer filled with donated wreaths from Harrington, Maine, to Arlington National Cemetery; Whereas thousands of individuals volunteer each December to escort and lay the wreaths; Whereas December 10, 2011, was previously designated by the Senate as Wreaths Across America Day; and Whereas the Wreaths Across America project will continue its proud legacy on December 15, 2012, bringing approximately 125,000 wreaths to Arlington National Cemetery on that day: Now, therefore, be it

That the Senate— (1)designates December 15, 2012, as Wreaths Across America Day; (2)honors the Wreaths Across America project, the Patriot Guard Riders, and all of the volunteers and donors involved in this worthy tradition; and (3)recognizes the sacrifices our veterans, members of the Armed Forces, and their families have made, and continue to make, for our great Nation.