[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 182 (Monday, December 9, 2024)]
[House]
[Page H6447]
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 14, 2024.
  Every year, on the third Saturday of December, thousands of 
volunteers set out in a coordinated wreath-laying ceremony across the 
country and around the world. 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.
  Wreaths Across America is built on three guiding principles: 
remember, honor, and teach. Each of these principles carries profound 
meaning, reminding us of our responsibility to those who have given 
everything in defense of our freedoms.
  First, we remember our fallen heroes.
  Every name engraved on a headstone represents a life, a story of 
courage, dedication, and love for our great Nation. By laying a wreath 
at their final resting place, we say their name aloud, ensuring that 
they are never forgotten. It is a simple, yet powerful, act reminding 
us that freedom is not free. It is paid for by the men and women who 
answer the call of duty.
  Second, we honor those who wear or have worn the uniform. Honoring 
our veterans is not limited to one day or one ceremony. It is a 
commitment we carry out throughout the year. We honor the courage of 
those who stood watch over our Nation, often in the face of incredible 
challenges. We also honor their families, who shared in their 
sacrifices and carried the weight of their absences.
  Finally, we teach the next generation.
  Wreaths Across America encourages us to pass these lessons on to the 
next generation. When we bring young people to participate, whether it 
is laying wreaths or hearing stories of service, we ensure that the 
values of duty, courage, and sacrifice are instilled in future leaders. 
These moments of connection are how we keep the memory of our veterans 
alive and ensure their contributions are not lost to time.
  This past Saturday, what has become known as the country's longest 
veterans' 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 spread and 
to remember the fallen, honor those who 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 14, National Wreaths Across America Day.

  This pilgrimage to Arlington National Cemetery represents the very 
best of our Nation. More than 250,000 wreaths will be hauled by 
tractor-trailers to their destination.
  Mr. Speaker, our veterans remind us that our freedom is not 
guaranteed, but it is paid for by our dedicated servicemembers. This 
small gesture is one of the many ways we can thank them for their 
service.
  I also recognize the organizers, volunteers, and participants who 
make Wreaths Across America possible. Their dedication ensures that 
hundreds of thousands of veterans are remembered with dignity and 
respect.
  Mr. Speaker, if you are interested in volunteering, please visit 
wreathsacrossamerica.org.

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