USNA News Article

Wreaths Across America Honors Naval Academy Graduates

Dec 13, 2011

By Mass Communication Specialist Alexia Rivercorrea, U.S. Naval Academy Public Affairs

ANNAPOLIS, Md. (NNS) -- Volunteers with the Wreaths Across America program laid more than 300 holiday wreaths at the Maryland World War II Memorial and the U.S. Naval Academy cemetery in honor of veterans and Naval Academy graduates, Dec. 9.

The ceremony was hosted by the U.S. Naval Academy, the city of Annapolis and Anne Arundel County. Featured speakers during the event included Annapolis Mayor Joshua J. Cohen and County Executive John R. Leopold.

Each year, Wreaths Across America coordinates wreath-laying ceremonies on the second Saturday in December at more than 570 locations worldwide, including Arlington National Cemetery. In the days leading up to the ceremony in Arlington, the group organizes a week-long "Veteran's Parade" between their base in Maine and Virginia.

Wreaths Across America founders Morrill and Karen Worcester, along with several decorated veterans, family members and volunteers, traveled with the convoy to participate in various wreath-laying ceremonies at cemeteries and memorials along the way.

This year, more than 500,000 wreaths were placed by more than 175,000 volunteers. Volunteers from Fort Meade, Md., and Anne Arundel County placed more than 600 wreaths in the Annapolis National Cemetery Dec. 10.

Wreaths Across America is a nonprofit organization with the mission "Remember, Honor, Teach." With the help of sponsors, donors and volunteers, Wreaths Across America continues the annual tribute of laying wreaths in veterans cemeteries across the United States.

Wreaths Across America is dedicated to spreading its message about the importance of remembering fallen heroes, honoring those who serve, and teaching today's youth about sacrifices made by veterans and their families to preserve our freedoms.

For more information about Wreaths Across America, please visit www.wreathsacrossamerica.org.