[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 185 (Thursday, December 10, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2924]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


  RECOGNIZING MORRILL WORCESTER FOR HIS WORK IN HONORING OUR NATION'S 
                                 FALLEN

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. DUNCAN HUNTER

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, December 9, 2009

  Mr. HUNTER. Madam Speaker, today I rise in recognition of Mr. Morrill 
Worcester of Harrington, Maine. Morrill is President of the Worcester 
Wreath Company, and he and his company have provided Christmas wreaths 
for Arlington National Cemetery since 1992.
  Morrill Worcester's story begins in 1962 when at the age of 12 he won 
a trip to Washington, DC, from his local paper. After visiting 
Arlington National Cemetery, he was awe-struck by the enormity of the 
cemetery and its perfectly aligned rows of headstones representing the 
thousands who have died in service to this country. The powerful 
imagery of Arlington left a lasting impression on Morrill, one that 
would stay with him long after he began his business selling Christmas 
wreaths.
  In 1992, the Worcester Wreath Company had an overstock of Christmas 
wreaths. Unwilling to simply throw the extra wreaths away, and with the 
image of Arlington still a treasured memory, Morrill was inspired. With 
the help of volunteers, he spent 6 hours in the rain placing a wreath 
at each headstone. For 18 years, Morrill has taken time out of his 
busiest season to deliver handmade wreaths to Arlington National 
Cemetery and lead volunteers in laying them on the headstones.
  When word of his efforts spread around the Internet, hundreds more 
Americans from across the country began to ask how they could get 
involved and show their respect for our fallen. Morrill soon expanded 
the project into Wreaths Across America, allowing anyone to donate a 
wreath to honor the fallen. As a result, Wreaths Across America have 
laid over 100,000 wreaths at numerous national cemeteries. Congress has 
recognized his work by declaring December 13, 2008 as ``Wreaths Across 
America Day.''
  Madam Speaker, this gentleman's dedication and actions directly 
reflect his selfless resolve to honor and remember our Nation's fallen. 
Individuals like Morrill and the volunteers of Wreaths Across America 
embody the great respect that we as a nation have for those who have 
died defending our freedom. On the second Saturday of December this 
year, and hopefully for many more Decembers to come, Morrill will be at 
Arlington National Cemetery in solemn remembrance to lay more wreaths.
  Mr. Morrill Worcester, thank you for remembering those who have given 
so much for our freedom, and thank you for sharing your passion to 
honor these brave men and women with the American people.

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