[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 204 (Tuesday, December 12, 2023)]
[House]
[Page H6822]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  NATIONAL WREATHS ACROSS AMERICA DAY

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Chair recognizes the gentleman from 
Pennsylvania (Mr. Thompson) for 5 minutes.
  Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize 
a very special tradition taking place this Saturday, December 16.
  Every year on the third Saturday of December, 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 he had an 
abundance of holiday wreaths and decided to take the opportunity to 
honor our country's fallen soldiers.
  After contacting his Senator, arrangements were made for the 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 made the 
ultimate sacrifice transformed into a mission to remember, honor, and 
teach.
  Since the viral photo, Wreaths Across America continues 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.
  Earlier this week, what has become known as the country's longest 
veteran's parade, Wreaths Across America's annual Escort to Arlington 
kicked off.
  The official route will travel down the East Coast, stopping at 
schools, memorials, and other locations along the way to remember the 
fallen, honor those that serve, and teach the next generation the value 
of freedom.
  Stops with public events will be held in Maine, Massachusetts, Rhode 
Island, Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, and 
Washington, D.C., before arriving at Arlington National Cemetery on the 
morning of Saturday, December 16, National Wreaths Across America Day.
  This pilgrimage to Arlington National Cemetery represents the very 
best of our Nation. Tractor trailers will haul more than 250,000 
wreaths to their destination.
  Mr. Speaker, as many Americans will volunteer this weekend, it is a 
reminder that our freedom is not free. These men and women paid the 
ultimate sacrifice, and this small gesture is one of the many ways we 
are able to thank them for their service.
  If you are interested in volunteering, please visit 
wreathsacrossAmerica.org.

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