FRYEBURG HONORS VETERANS AS PART OF WREATHS ACROSS AMERICA TRADITION
Through the efforts of the Fryeburg Business Association, Fryeburg will
play a small part in the 21 year tradition of Wreaths Across America this year.
Starting at noon on Saturday, December 7th, a remembrance ceremony will be held
in Bradley Park in front of the large Veterans Honor Roll on the corner of Main
and River Rd. “It is such a small effort for such a big reason and I hope
everyone makes the time on Saturday to come to Bradley Park and show respect and
gratitude to all veterans who served and continue to serve in our military.”
said Donna Woodward, coordinator of Saturdays tribute to veterans.
Wreaths Across America, is a program dedicated to honoring the fallen by
having Christmas wreaths adorn veteran grave sites at Arlington as well as
veterans’ cemeteries and other locations in all 50 states and beyond each
December. This tradition was originated in Harrington, Maine by Morrill
Worcester of Worcester Wreath Company in 1992. In 2007 the non-profit
organizations of Wreaths Across America was formed. The mission of WAA is to
spread the 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. In 2008, and each year
since, Congress has issued a proclamation officially recognizing “Wreaths Across
America Day” every December. This 21st anniversary year marks the placing of
the one-millionth wreath since 1992.
The annual pilgrimage from Harrington, Maine, to Arlington National
Cemetery has become known as the world’s largest veterans parade, stopping at
schools, monuments, veterans’ homes and communities all along the way to remind
people how important it is to remember, honor and teach. Anyone can participate
but only 10 carriers are selected to partake in the “Veteran’s Parade” to
Arlington due to DOT laws that prohibit the number of tractor trailer trucks
that can travel together at once. There will be a Poland Spring truck on the
trip from Maine to Arlington this year with a fully decorated trailor. Poland
Spring will also be supplying water at all the parade stops along the way. The
convoy is scheduled to leave Maine on December 14th.
Fryeburg will receive one of the first wreaths this year during their
ceremony on December 7th, when the Poland Spring Wreaths Across America truck
pulls into town and stops at Bradley Park. Starting at noon on Saturday the
program will include the Fryeburg/ Lovell VFW Color Guard, taps played by a
Fryeburg Academy music student, and a prayer by Pastor David Reed of the
Assembly of God church. Special guest, Officer John McCann, will speak in honor
of all veterans but specifically the WWII Pearl Harbor soldiers. McCann is a
third generation Coast Guard Officer who served from 1975 -2000. He followed in
the footsteps of his Grandfather from WWI as did his Dad and uncle. “Being part
of this day of remembrance and the Wreaths Across America is particularly
special to me as my grandfather and father are both buried in Arlington.” said
McCann. “Speaking on behalf of all veterans is an honor”.
A special acknowledgement will be paid to the family of WWII Veteran of the
28th Marines, Irving Potter from Brownfield. Irving passed away in 2011 but his
memory lives on in so many ways. “He wrote an article for a special publication
I did in 2007 on veterans.” recalls Woodward. “The article was about his
experience in Iwo-Jima and it would be my honor to share his story with everyone
on Saturday.”
Directly following the Bradley Park ceremony everyone will be invited to
gather at the Fryeburg Fire Station on Main Street where the “Wreaths Across
America” truck will be parked for a short time for anyone wishing to have their
photo taken. Hot coffee will be available compliments of Fryeburg Fire
Department.
If you would like more information on the Bradley Park event please
contact Donna Woodward at 207-441-8170. If you would like to learn more about
this wonderful Maine based tradition of Wreaths Across America, go to www.worcesterwreath.com/WAA-Story_ep_41.html.
FMI:
Donna Woodward
207 441-8170
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