Wreaths Across America to Honor and Remember Veterans at NJVVMF

The Wreaths Across America escort of handmade, balsam wreaths heading to Arlington National Cemetery from Maine has become known as the country’s longest veterans parade, and this year’s weeklong journey kicks off on Saturday, Dec. 9. Grand Marshals – Vietnam Medal of Honor Recipient, Colonel Roger Donlon, U.S. Army Special Forces (Retired) and his wife, Norma, a Vietnam-era Gold Star wife, will lead the caravan as it travels down the East Coast stopping at schools, memorials and other locations along the way to spread the mission to REMEMBER, HONOR and TEACH.

The convoy will once again hold a ceremony at the New Jersey Vietnam Veterans’ Memorial (NJVVMF) in Holmdel, 1 Memorial Lane, to remember those New Jersey veterans lost during military service, and honor Gold Star Families who have lost loved ones in the military. The ceremony is scheduled to begin at one o’clock, Wednesday, December 13, and will be held in the New Jersey Vietnam Veterans’ Memorial. Remembrance wreaths will be presented to Gold Star Families, and seven ceremonial wreaths will be laid for each branch of the military and POW/MIA Veterans.

The ceremony is free and open to the public.

Each year, Wreaths Across America chooses a theme for the celebration and this year’s theme is, “I’m an American. Yes, I am!”, The focus is on the celebration of differences and seeking to build bridges between all people and is inspired by a song by Maine’s own singer/songwriter Rick Charette.

According to Karen Worcester, Executive Director for Wreaths Across America, the song entwines patriotism and acceptance of differences together and was a favorite of the 2016 Wreaths Across America escort, which included many American Gold Star Mothers, Blue Star families, veterans and volunteers.

“When we come together to place wreaths, there are people from the left and the right, it doesn't matter your faith or your politics. We are there as Americans,” says Worcester. “Our mission welcomes anyone to join us in remembering those who gave their lives for our freedom, including our freedom to be different from one another. And now, more than ever, we want to help people find common ground with one another by supporting our military and their families, Remembering the fallen, Honoring those who serve and Teaching the next generation the true meaning of freedom.”

During the 2016 event, 1.2 million remembrance wreaths were placed on headstones at more than 1,230 cemeteries around the country. Since 1992, WAA founder Morrill Worcester has always asked volunteers placing remembrance wreaths to take time to read the name on the headstone aloud to ensure the fallen live on in memory.

Wreaths Across America is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization founded to continue and expand the annual wreath-laying ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery begun by Maine businessman Morrill Worcester in 1992. The organization’s mission – Remember, Honor, Teach – is carried out in part each year by coordinating wreath-laying ceremonies in December at Arlington, as well as at hundreds of veterans’ cemeteries and other locations in all 50 states and beyond. For more information or to sponsor a wreath please visit www.wreathsacrossamerica.org.