Wreaths Across America Convoy To Attend Ceremony In Holmdel

HOLMDEL, NJ — Wreaths Across America will visit the New Jersey Vietnam Veterans’ Memorial for its annual wreath-laying ceremony as part of its national “Veterans Honor Parade,” a convoy that travels the East Coast every year.

Wreaths Across America Day is taking place this Saturday across the United States. And "Remember, Honor, Teach" is the mission of the Wreaths Across America organization.

The national group says it not only coordinates wreath-laying ceremonies at Arlington National Cemetery in Washington, DC, but also at more than 3,400 additional locations in all 50 states, at sea and abroad.

On Wednesday, Dec. 13, a convoy from the organization will arrive at the New Jersey Vietnam Veterans' Memorial at noon.

There will be a brief lunch, compliments of Salvation Army, Jersey Mike's, Joe Leone’s Italian Specialties, and Mueller’s Bakery, organizers say.

The public is then invited to the Wreaths Across America ceremony to take place at 12:30 p.m., honoring 23 New Jersey Gold Star Families, a spokesperson for the memorial said.

In attendance at the ceremony will be the New Jersey Gold Star families; Amy Osborn, executive director of the center; the founder of Wreaths Across America, Morrill Worcester and the executive director of Wreaths Across America, Karen Worcester.

The president of the American Gold Star Mothers Pam Stemple will also be in attendance, as will the American Legion Auxiliary National President Lisa Williamson.

Also in attendance will be (Ret.) Col. Riccoh Player of the US Marine Corps; Deputy Grand Masters of Masons for New Jersey J. Eugene Margroff; Naval Weapons Station Earle; Miss New Jersey Victoria Mozitis; and Wall High School ROTC Cadets, joined by the Civil Air Patrol Cadets from Maine who are traveling with the convoy.

There will also be state, local and county officials at the ceremony.

The Wreaths Across America program began in December 1992 in Harrington, Maine, "when wreath maker Morrill Worcester found himself with a surplus of 5,000 wreaths during the holiday season," according to the organization's website.

Worcester saw the surplus as an opportunity to pay tribute to our country’s veterans and, with the help of then-Sen. Olympia Snowe of Maine, arranged for the wreaths to be placed at Arlington National Cemetery.

This annual tribute to veterans has continued ever since, the site says. The organization's website offers many resources to learn about the program and offers educational opportunities for young people.

The New Jersey Vietnam Veterans’ Memorial is at 1 Memorial Lane, Holmdel.