Dear Sponsors:

I just returned from a wonderful weekend where I witnessed, for the first time in history, veterans’ wreaths being placed on the graves of every American hero at the Normandy-American Cemetery in France. The lives touched by those lives given were demonstrated not only by Americans laying wreaths but also from people that had traveled from all over Europe to participate.

I will never forget the sight; Hundreds of people from the most diverse backgrounds imaginable, coming together in the bitter wind and rain to place wreaths made from Maine balsam and say the name of each veteran in many different accents. To give you a better idea of the beauty this very first Wreaths Across America ceremony in Normandy, I’d like to share with you a short video:

Wreaths Laid at Normandy

You are an important part of the journey from the first wreath laid at Arlington National Cemetery over 25 years ago to the most recent wreath laid in Normandy this past weekend. When you sponsored 4 wreaths in 2017 for San Francisco National Cemetery at Presidio and supporting CA0142P – United States Naval Sea Cadet Corps Arkansas Division, you joined with thousands of others in our mission to Remember, Honor and Teach across our Nation and now across an ocean.

Sometimes the impact of a gift like yours is best demonstrated in the simplest of stories. As our founder, Morrill Worcester, walked among the fallen in Normandy, he discovered the gravesite of Lawrence Olson from near Morrill’s home in Washington County, Maine. Lawrence enlisted in the U.S. Army on November 11, 1942, and served as a Private First Class, 120th Infantry Regiment, 30th Infantry Division. When he was killed in action, he was noted as being single and without dependents. Now 76 years later, Lawrence was honored and remembered by a man and a wreath from his home county; His name spoken aloud once more and his story continuing into a new generation.

Every wreath you sponsor takes a similar journey that begins in Maine and ends with an American hero being honored for the sacrifices that provide our freedoms and, indeed, the pursuit and protection of freedom around the world. You may also change your previous order or explore other options for wreaths sponsorships by clicking one of these links:

If you would like to witness, first-hand, the meaning of your sponsorships, we would be honored if would join us as a volunteer for National Wreaths Across America Day on Saturday, December 15, 2018. Click Search Locations to find the cemetery that is best for you and your loved ones.

To give you a feeling of what Wreaths Across America Day is like, I am also including some of my favorite photos from last weekend in Normandy below. I cannot thank you enough for remembering America’s heroes wherever they may rest by supporting San Francisco National Cemetery at Presidio and CA0142P – United States Naval Sea Cadet Corps Arkansas Division. We hope to see you on Saturday, December 15, 2018. My very best wishes for a happy and healthy holiday season,

Amber Caron
Communications Director
Wreaths Across America
www.wreathsacrossamerica.org

9,387 Heroes Honored in Normandy

2018 is the first year Wreaths Across America has placed our Maine-made wreaths on foreign soil, by traveling to Normandy-American Cemetery in Colleville-sur-Mer, France. Our founder, Morrill Worcester, personally donated the 9,387 needed to honor each person buried there.

WAA Founder Honors a Local Hero 5,000 Miles from Home

WAA founder Morrill Worcester places a fresh, live balsam wreath at the gravesite of Lawrence Colson from Washington County, Maine. Lawrence served as a Private First Class, 120th Infantry Regiment, 30th Infantry Division, U.S. Army during World War II and was “Killed In Action” in France.

WAA Lands on Utah Beach

During our recent trip to remember American heroes interred in Normandy, WAA had the honor of placing a wreath on Utah Beach, one site of the D-Day Landings on June 6, 1944.

A Moving Ceremony on Distant Shores

In a moving ceremony, Wreaths Across America supporters gathered in the wind and rain to honor the men and women who died overseas while advancing the cause of freedom during WWII.

Far from Home, Forever in Our Hearts

Whether at Arlington, in our hometowns or on foreign soil, Wreaths Across America is continuing to work towards one day honoring all of our heroes and we hope you’ll join us.