NMVC participates in “Wreaths Across America” event
CARIBOU, Maine — The Northern Maine Veterans Cemetery in Caribou was one of 1,100 locations participating in “Wreaths Across America” this year.
While veterans participate on a national scale, Wreaths Across America began in Maine when Morrill Worcester, a 12-year-old paperboy for the Bangor Daily News, won a trip to Washington, D.C. that would inspire him for years to come.
Morrill later owned Worcester Wreath Company and, with the aid of Olympia Snowe, arranged for wreaths to be placed in a section of Arlington National Cemetery that was being neglected over the years.
While this tradition became an annual event in 1992, Morrill received national attention in 2005 when a photo of the wreaths began circulating the internet. Since then, veteran cemeteries across the country have been adorned with wreaths on a yearly basis.
VFW State Adjutant Andre Dumas led this year’s local wreath ceremony in Caribou, initiating the event with one full minute of silence in observance of those who gave their lives defending the country.
“The United States of America was founded on the ideals of freedom, justice, and equality,” Dumas said as the Dec. 17 snow began to fall. “Our nation stands as a shining beacon of liberty and freedom to the world. We thank those who gave their lives to keep us free and we shall not forget you. We shall remember.”
Representatives of all U.S. military branches each laid a wreath in front of the newly erected committal shelter near the end of Dumas’ speech, while onlookers silently observed their salute to fallen soldiers.
“I think it’s very moving to see all the volunteers and veterans come out and pay tribute to the veterans here,” said David Richmond, who laid a wreath during last Saturday’s ceremony.
Cemetery Grounds Supervisor and Caribou City Councilor Jody Smith has been involved with the ceremony for over eight years, and said it’s important to keep the event in Caribou as it recognizes all six branches of the military and POW/MIA.
Lloyd Woods, who served in the Army and represented his branch during the ceremony, said the rough weather should not deter anyone from paying tribute to the United States military.
“Every year, the weather has always been like this,” said Woods. “We have to recognize the veterans and this is a beautiful facility that’s growing, and I’m glad to be a part of it.
