As one of about 70,000 Americans who made their way to Arlington on Saturday, Dec. 12th, I couldn’t help but be swept up in the energy and excitement. When I arrived, lines of visitors were already waiting for the six tractor trailers from Harrington, Maine to distribute more than 200,000 wreaths. The inviting smell of balsam fir and friendly Maine faces made it feel like home and a true holiday season.
My first stop of the day was at the grave of former Maine Senator Bill Hathaway – who was also my boss some 40 years ago when I worked in the Senate as a staffer. Sen. Hathaway, known to most of us as a statesman, a mentor, or a friend, was also a decorated World War II veteran who spent time as a Prisoner of War after his plane was shot down over Romania. As I joined with his son, Fred, to place a wreath on his headstone, which read, “William D. Hathaway, Captain US Army, World War II, Distinguished Flying Cross, Purple Heart, Air Medal, Prisoner of War, U.S. Senator.”
You’ll notice that “U.S. Senator” is at the bottom of this list, which really puts things in perspective and highlights how he valued service and sacrifice over titles or self-promotion. He proudly served his country first and foremost as an Army Captain, and did so with the relentless dedication and quiet modesty that was so common in the greatest generation. He was an inspiring man, and this grateful staffer couldn’t have had a better role model.
Amazingly, nearly all the graves in the cemetery were adorned with their own Maine-made wreath within about an hour.
What began in 1992 as a small gesture of compassion from Morrill and Karen Worcester of Worcester Wreaths in Harrington has blossomed into a nationwide tradition. From the truckers and the Patriot Guard Riders who escort the tractor trailers on their motorcycles down the East Coast, to the countless volunteers in Maine and around the country who help transport and lay the wreaths, this is truly a group effort.
