For 14 years, it was by word of mouth only that each December a truck would arrive with the wreaths from Maine at Arlington Cemetery in Virginia… always at dawn…always dignified…with so little fanfare, it was almost a Christmas surprise. The image is unforgettable…green Christmas wreaths clad with hand-tied red bows, adorning stark white headstones. The project started with the devotion of one man. Morrill Worchester owns Worcester Wreath Company, a business in Maine which makes Christmas wreaths and decorations. He says when people hear of what we do at Arlington, he is often asked if he is a veteran. His reply is “I am not, but I have made it my business to Never Forget.” Each year Worcester Wreath Company donates 5000 wreaths to be placed on the graves at Arlington National Cemetery to honor our Veterans ... all during the holidays. The first year was 1992 when 45 volunteers came to Arlington to help lay wreaths. Our mission: Remember, Honor, Teach, is carried out in part by coordinating wreath laying ceremonies a specified Saturday in December at Arlington, as well as veterans’ cemeteries and other locations in all 50 states and beyond. We also organize a week of events including international veteran’s tributes, ceremonies at State Houses and a week-long “Veteran’s Parade” between Maine and Virginia where we stop along the way to spread our message about the importance of remembering our fallen heroes, honoring those who serve, and teaching our children about the sacrifices made by veterans and their families to preserve our freedoms. This week of events is made possible by thousands of volunteers who organize local ceremonies, raise funds to sponsor wreaths, and participate in the events. We receive no government funding. The cost of our programs is paid by individual wreaths sponsors, corporate donors and volunteer truckers. Worcester Wreath Co. is a family owned and operated company since 1971. Only part of each tree branch is harvested so that the branch can produce another tip for a future harvest. No more than half that foliage in a single year is cut so that the tree can remain vigorous. The balsam products are harvested in a sustainable manner so that the forest maintains its beauty year after year. The fact is, every product is made up of over 90% balsam. Worcester Wreath is the only wreath company that manages its own forests to provide the freshest balsam in the industry. Wreaths Across America™ feels strongly that we do not “decorate” graves. We are honoring all veterans and active military by placing wreaths on the headstones of veterans. The fresh evergreens are a symbol used for centuries to recognize honor, and a living tribute renewed annually. We want people to see the tradition as a living memorial to veterans and their families, whom we remember amid the hustle and bustle of the holiday season.The United Daughters of the Confederacy Colorado River Chapter #2655 is sponsoring this project locally this year. Wreaths will be delivered to your Wreaths Across America Location Leader. This year wreaths will be placed in San Saba City Cemetery, Goldthwaite Memorial Cemetery and in Greenleaf Cemetery in Brownwood on the graves of veterans of all wars and conflicts. Wreaths may also be ordered for veterans in other cemeteries to be placed by family members.To honor a veteran in San Saba City Cemetery, contact Rosemary Cox at 325 -372-4190 to sponsor a wreath. Wreaths may be ordered now at a cost of $15 each. The deadline for ordering is November 15. Volunteers will place the wreaths on the graves of the veterans in early December, just in time for the holidays.If you wish to order online with a credit card, you are invited to go to the Wreaths Across America website.Please use the Group ID (TXUDC2655) and Cemetery ID (TXSNSC) so that the local chapter will receive the $5 profit for our scholarship fund. Last year, the chapter was able to award our first annual scholarship.