During the holiday season it is easy to become overwhelmed. With the music, decorations, shopping, crowds and business it can make us cranky and short tempered. You can see it everywhere with pushing, shoving in stores and fighting for parking spaces.
Yet just across the interstate from one of the largest shopping malls in Northern Virginia you find hundreds of volunteers gathered at Arlington National Cemetery to honor a serviceman or woman. For the last 16 years Worcester Wreath Company has donated 5000 wreaths to be placed on the headstones of our fallen hero's at Arlington National Cemetery. This past weekend was the annual laying of the wreaths and there are no words to describe the reverence that each volunteer shows as they place a wreath, bow in prayer or salute the veteran they are honoring.
The mission of the Wreaths Across America Project
Remember the fallen;
Honor those who serve;
Teach our children the value of freedom
Reverence evident as soon as the process of laying the wreaths begins. You can feel a change in the air. Where there was a noisy and boisterous group of students there is now a quiet group reading the headstone where they have just placed a wreath. Where there are families who have lost loved ones kneeling by a headstone, those walking by bow their heads to join them in a moment of silence.
It is during these quiet moments that you gain a perspective on the true meaning of the holidays
It has been a stressful day in rotten traffic. Thanks for adding some food for thought to my day.
Both of my parents severed and are now at a National Cemetery. It is truly and inspiration to go there and appreciate all that these individuals gave to honor us and our country. Great reminder for what a wonderful nation we live in.
Thank you for posting this. We are an Active Duty family ourselves and I am very grateful for each holiday we are able to spend together and think of those who are not as fortunate. Katrin - a proud warrior's wife.
Ellie-we have to put every day in perspective when we realize how many others are without loved ones for the holidays.
Connie-you know all to well the meaning of the service and sacrifice for our country. My husband is buried at Arlington as well and it doesn't matter how many times you go to visit it is always a reminder of what our country means.
Connie-it is my understanding that it started with one man's vision. Here is a link to the story:
http://www.wreaths-across-america.org/
Katrin-thanks for stopping by and for your families service to our country. Happy holidays.
A beautiful post. Thanks for the reminder of the importance of the holidays.
Pat-thanks for stopping by. Enjoyh you holiday!