Wreaths Across America Announces Bold Mission for 2011 Amid 2010 Wreath-laying Ceremonies

HARRINGTON, Maine, Dec. 10, 2010 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- In 1992 5,000 Christmas wreaths from the State of Maine were placed on the headstones of veterans at Arlington National Cemetery, donated by Worcester Wreath Company. Nineteen years later in 2010 the annual wreath-laying tradition has become a national day of remembrance, with over 200,000 wreaths being placed and 500+ participating locations around the Country.

(Photo:  http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20101119/DC05454)

Today Wreaths Across America™ announced that with the 20th year anniversary of the Arlington Wreath Project, it will undertake the  goal of placing over 300,000 wreaths at Arlington National Cemetery alone in 2011. The 20th anniversary and 2011 goal will be part of a national effort to give "The Christmas They Never Had" in honor of veterans who lost their holidays with family and friends during their time of service and sacrifice.

As Morrill Worcester, founder of the non-profit organization explained, "When people see the pictures of Arlington they just assume we place wreaths across the whole cemetery. It is a big job to do the whole cemetery, and in the last 19 years they have rotated sections to receive the wreaths. But in 2011 our mission is to give back 'the Christmas they never had,' which just seems appropriate for the 20th year anniversary."

Each year escorted by the Patriot Guard Riders and other support groups, the wreaths make their annual trek to Arlington National Cemetery and other locations around the Country, where the wreaths will make their eventual home adorning the graves of our veterans – a solemn tribute to those who serve and those who made the ultimate sacrifice.

Worcester Wreath Company continues to be a major supporter of the project, donating over 40,000 total wreaths the last 2 years. In 2010 over 200,000 wreaths will be sponsored by individuals, businesses, and groups from communities nation-wide. Wreaths will be placed in all 50 states from Maine to Alaska and Hawaii, and at 24 national cemeteries on foreign soil.

For people who wish to support the project, wreath sponsorships are available online. A complete list of participating locations is available on the website at www.WreathsAcrossAmerica.org.

If you'd like more information about this topic, or to schedule an interview with Karen Worcester ~ Executive Director of WreathsAcrossAmerica.org call Toll-Free: (877) 385-9504 or email [email protected]

Wreaths Across America (WAA) is a national non-profit organization that has grown quickly to encompass over 500 participating locations and 160,000+ volunteers around the Country.

The Wreaths Across America's mission is to Remember, Honor, and Teach. Remember the fallen, Honor those who serve including their families who sacrifice, and Teach our children the cost of the freedoms we enjoy each day. It is our shared belief that...

'The nation which forgets its defenders will soon be forgotten.' Calvin Coolidge

WAA pursues its mission with nation-wide wreath-laying events amid the holiday season, and year-round educational outreach inviting all Americans to appreciate our freedoms and the cost at which they are delivered.

SOURCE Wreaths Across America