The country’s longest veterans’ parade – Wreaths Across America’s annual escort to Arlington National Cemetery – kicks off on Saturday, Dec. 11, 2021. National President of American Gold Star Mothers Inc. Jo Ann Maitland and President Emeritus of Gold Star Wives of America, Inc. Nancy Menagh will lead the caravan as this year’s co-grand marshals.

The official escort will travel down the East Coast stopping at schools, memorials, and other locations along the way to spread the mission to REMEMBER, HONOR and TEACH. Stops with public events will be held in Maine, Vermont, New York, New Jersey, Delaware, Maryland, and Washington D.C., before arriving at Arlington National Cemetery on the morning of Saturday, Dec. 18 – National Wreaths Across America Day.

“For those who have had the opportunity to participate in the escort of wreaths over the years, it is truly an experience of a lifetime,” said Karen Worcester, executive director, WAA. “The way we and the mission are welcomed into communities, with flags waving and streets lined with children and veterans, is something we always wished every American could witness. This year we’re hoping that supporters will once again join us in lining the roadways safely and welcome the mission into their communities.”

Locally, Civil War Augusta will host its first-ever Wreaths Across America event on the following Saturday, Dec. 18 at historic Payne Cemetery on Kentucky 8.

The organization plans to lay wreaths at the graves of 40 veterans buried within the cemetery.

“We are planning a ceremonial service with honor guard and speakers,” according to Augusta Tourism Director Janet Hunt.

Individuals or groups are encouraged to volunteer to help lay the wreaths or sponsor one at a cost of $15. Those who would like to volunteer can visit https://www.wreathsacrossamerica.org/pages/168782.

Participants for this year’s national convoy include Gold Star Families, Blue Star Families, veterans, volunteers, and members of the Patriot Guard Riders and Patriot Riders. Law enforcement from departments across Maine and other states along the route will provide escort to ensure safe transport for all participants throughout the week.

Twelve tractor-trailers will haul a portion of the sponsored veterans’ wreaths heading to Arlington National Cemetery for placement on Saturday, Dec. 18. Additionally, Load One Carriers will once again serve as the ceremonial wreath transporter for the escort.

In total, nearly 257,000 sponsored wreaths are needed to reach the goal of placing a wreath on every eligible marker at Arlington National Cemetery. To sponsor a $15 veteran’s wreath for this location, please visit www.wreathsacrossamerica.org/ARLING.

What began 30 years ago as a pilgrimage by Maine wreath maker, Morrill Worcester, in a single truck to deliver 5,000 wreaths to Arlington as a gesture of thanks has become a national mission to Remember, Honor, Teach. National Wreaths Across America Day ceremonies are happening at more than 2,900 participating locations across the country on Saturday, Dec. 18, 2021. These events are free and open to all people.