[Congressional Record Volume 168, Number 195 (Thursday, December 15, 2022)]
[House]
[Page H9883]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




            RECOGNIZING NATIONAL WREATHS ACROSS AMERICA DAY

  (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, I rise today to recognize 
a very special tradition taking place this Saturday, December 17.
  Every year, thousands of volunteers set out across the country and 
the world in a coordinated wreath-laying ceremony. This ceremony is 
known as National Wreaths Across America Day.
  In 1992, Morrill Worcester, from Harrington, Maine, noticed that he 
had an abundance of holiday wreaths and decided to take the opportunity 
to honor our country's veterans. After contacting his Senator, 
arrangements were made for wreaths to be placed at Arlington in an 
older section of the cemetery.
  This tradition would quietly continue until 2005 when a photo of the 
tombstones decorated with wreaths and covered with snow went viral. 
From there, this quiet annual tribute to remember those who have made 
the ultimate sacrifice turned into a mission to remember, honor, and 
teach.
  Since the viral photo, Wreaths Across America has continued to grow. 
This Saturday, volunteers will lay wreaths at more than 2,500 locations 
in the United States, abroad, and at sea. This simple gesture is a way 
for all of us to express our appreciation during the holiday season.
  If you are interested in volunteering, please visit 
wreathsacrossamerica.org.

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