CARIBOU, Maine — Laying Wreaths in the Maine Veterans Cemetery in Caribou, was a way for local residents to honor those who served in the United States military.
On Dec. 18, cemeteries across the country participated in “Wreaths Across America,” a campaign dedicated to remembering the sacrifices made by veterans in wars since the American Revolution. The city of Caribou held a short ceremony to lay wreaths honoring the sacrifices that veterans made to preserve the freedoms of the United States.
Wreaths were laid for those who served in the Army, Navy, Marines, Air Force, Coast Guard, Merchant Marines and for the 93,129 United States servicemen from all branches whose last known status was Missing in Action or Prisoners of War.
Wreaths across America was a program founded by Morill Worcester from Harrington Maine. It began in 1992 when Worcester had an abundance of wreaths, and with the help of Maine Senator Olympia Snowe, they were able to get wreaths to Arlington. This went on for several years until 2005, when the event really took shape.
The program received a lot of attention online, and requests poured in for wreaths across the county. With a message in mind, and volunteers and cemeteries wanting to support it, Worcester and his group got to work, resulting in the annual ceremonies that are held each year.
The ceremony began with a one minute period of silence, then opening statements from State Adjutant for the VFW Andre Dumas.
“The freedoms we enjoy today have not come without a price,” Dumas said. “Lying here before us and in cemeteries throughout the nation are men and women who gave their lives so that we could live in freedom and without fear.”
After the wreaths were placed, Dumas gave his closing remarks.
“The wreaths before you represent our commitment as a United America to remember the fallen,” Dumas continued. “We also want these holiday wreaths to symbolize our honor to those who have served and are serving in the armed forces of our great nation, and to their families who endure sacrifices everyday on our behalf.”
