Dear Michael Barbour,

Signs of fall are all around us here in Maine. The morning air is chilly, the sky has turned that special blue, the blueberry bushes that have been harvested have turned a brilliant red and September marks the official end of summer.

September also marks the anniversary of the event that changed our many lives forever.

September 11, 2001. I remember exactly where I was when I heard the news. I was hours away from my kids and I was scared.  My driver turned the car around and we raced home. I went directly to school and got my babies home and like so many others sat glued to the tv watching life as we knew it change forever.

From our living rooms we watched in real time the horror and carnage, but we also witnessed incredible acts of heroism and humanity.

But I also remember Sept 12^th. Our little community gathered that night for a prayer in front of the town hall. Everyone hugging, crying, and comforting each other. There was a marked change in how people engaged with each other from casual encounters in a grocery store to the church pews overflowing with congregations seeking guidance navigating a new threat to our safety, and possibly, freedom.

In the wake of that terrible day, we came together as Americans. We were America, proud of first responders, volunteers and the many young people who joined the military to defend our wounded Country.

I remember, and speak often of, a commercial that showed a row of houses and the narration, “On September 11 terrorists tried to change our Country forever.” The next shot is of every house displaying the American Flag and the simple statement, “well, they succeeded.” It still stirs me to tears, 21 years later.

As we pause to remember on 9/11, I hope we can also reflect on the amazing efforts of those who have survived and succeeded, and those who rallied to meet the unique needs of victims and their families.

WAA’s mission, that is carried out by our many volunteers, includes opportunities to share in important remembrances. We hope you will join us on the 11^th as we have our annual flag waving and also on Labor Day, as we Ring a Bell for Rosies, another opportunity to share the spirit of Americans working together for the common good.

“We’re blessed to have the opportunity to stand for something-liberty and freedom and fairness. And these are things worth fighting for, worth devoting our lives to.” President Ronald Reagan

Karen Worcester

Executive Director

National Flag Waving 9/11

On Sunday, September 11th, we’ll be waving the American flag to commemorate the 21st anniversary of 9/11. You can tune in to the Facebook Live Event that features the WAA office flag waving, and host a flag waving in your community.

Have You Forgotten?

Read about the importance of teaching the value of the freedoms we enjoy in this country every day in a message from Wreaths Across America’s Curriculum Developer, Cindy Tatum. Additionally, you can access our Patriot Day Lesson Plans by clicking on the button below.

Tune In – Wreaths Across America Radio Remembers September 11th 

As we reflect on the events of September 11^th, 2001, we know a lot of people were trying to “find a way to serve” after that tragic day.  If you want to share your story of how you found a way to serve after September 11^th, 2001 e-mail us at waaradio@wreathsacrossamerica.org and tune in starting Friday September 9^th, as we share the stories of service and sacrifice surrounding the events on September 11^th on the iHeart Radio app, the Audacy app, the TuneIn App or click on the button below.

Recognizing Those Who Exemplify Our Mission

Congratulations to this year’s winners of the Wreaths Across America Remember, Honor, Teach, and Learn Awards! Thank you for your outstanding efforts to honor veterans and their families. Read more about the winners below.

Hand-Carved Eagle Presentation

On Saturday, Aug. 6, 2022, Alan Johnston, U.S. Army Veteran and Commander for the Maine Chapter of the Military Order of the World Wars, led the dedication of a hand-carved wood eagle to Wreaths Across America’s founder Mr. Morrill Worcester, as part of the organization’s annual Stem to Stone event in Downeast Maine.

The eagle was carved by 90-year old Navy Veteran George Gunning and painted by his wife of 70 years, Donna, both of Windsor, as a gift of thanks to Mr. Worcester and all those who carry out the Wreaths Across America mission.

Featured Merchandise

Fall is on the way, and cooler temps are already in the forecast!

Purchase the Wreaths Across America 2022 theme game day long sleeve and show your support of the mission.

Make sure to follow Wreaths Across America official channels on social media for the most up-to-the-minute news on the mission throughout the year: