The American Legion Post 175
Wreaths Across America
Wreaths Across America started as an idea in 1992 by Morrill Worcester of Worcester Wreath Company in Harrington, Maine, when he had a surplus of wreaths near the end of the Holiday Season and decided to honor the fallen veterans at Arlington National Cemetery, where he visited as a young boy, and had left a lasting impression. In 2007 Morrill, with the help of veterans and other groups and organizations, formed Wreaths Across America (WAA), with the goal of placing wreaths on the graves of the fallen. In 2008, in over 300 locations in the U.S., Puerto Rico and 24 overseas cemeteries, and with the help of over 60,000 volunteers, they placed over 100,000 wreaths on veteran's graves.
In 2014, over 700,000 wreaths were placed on veterans's graves in over 1,000 locations in the United States and beyond, with the help of a network of volunteers. That year, they covered 226,575 graves at Arlington National Cemetery with wreaths. They did not do this alone, but had the support of 2,047 fundraising groups and contributions and donations from shipping, trucking and thousands of volunteers helping hands.
Every year, on the second or third Saturday in December, the annual Wreaths Across America pilgramage from Harrington, Maine to Arlington National Cemetery, has become known as the world's largest veteran's parade, stopping at schools, monuments, veterans’ homes and communities all along the way to remind people how important it is to remember, honor and teach.
Please consider making a donation to this worthy cause by visiting the website:
Sponsor a Wreath (Link)
(Wreaths Across America is a 501(c)3 not-for-profit organization)
In 2021, The American Legion Auxiliary (Unit 175) member Fayth Heath, created, quilted and donated the 'Peace on Earth' quilt. With her husband, Post 175 member Tom Esker, sold raffle tickets to raise funds for Wreaths Across America for the Cold Harbor National Cemetery, and American Legion Auxiliary Unit 175. Wreaths were laid on the headstones on Saturday, December 18, 2021. On November 23rd, 2021, the winner of the raffle was Mr. Melvin (Mel) Huffman. Following is a photo of Fayth with her quilt. Many thanks to Fayth Heath and Tom Esker for conceiving, creating the quilt, and raising the funds for this worthy project honoring our fallen.
Fayth Heath and the "Peace on Earth" Quilt (2021)