[Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 195 (Tuesday, December 11, 2018)]
[House]
[Page H10086]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                              {time}  1715
                    HONORING WREATHS ACROSS AMERICA

  (Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania asked and was given permission to 
address the House for 1 minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, one of our finest holiday 
traditions will take place this Saturday: Wreaths Across America.
  Many Americans can recall the iconic photograph of wreaths on the 
tombstones at Arlington National Cemetery. Snow blankets the ground, 
red ribbons adorn the wreaths that lay on the rows of tombstones as far 
as the eye can see.
  This annual tribute began in 1992 by a Maine wreath maker named 
Morrill Worcester, who donated 5,000 wreaths to Arlington National 
Cemetery in honor of our fallen heroes.
  Today, Wreaths Across America has grown into a national organization. 
A total of 1.2 million wreaths were placed on markers across the 
country last year in more than 1,400 locations, with more than 200,000 
at Arlington alone.
  The mission is to remember, honor, and teach.
  As we celebrate with our loved ones, let us remember all of our 
military men and women, especially those we have lost in service to 
this Nation.
  Thank you to Morrill and to all the volunteers who honor their 
memory.
  Mr. Speaker, I want to thank all of our troops serving at home and 
overseas and wish them a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

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