Day 1: The Journey to Arlington with Wreaths Across America.
In the quiet, frost-kissed morning of Harrington, Maine, a remarkable journey began. It was the start of Wreaths Across America, a solemn yet inspiring event marked by the departure of hundreds of vehicles—a caravan consisting of trucks, cars, and the dignified escorts of police and fire departments. This procession, more than just a transcontinental trek, was a moving tribute to honor and remember.
As the vehicles criss-crossed the nation, truck drivers carried thousands of wreaths, each symbolizing a profound message of respect and remembrance. Their route would take them through numerous cities across America, not merely as a passage, but as a mission to spread awareness and to educate. This journey to Arlington was not just about reaching a destination, but about touching hearts and minds along the way, ensuring that the legacy and sacrifices of the heroes they honored would never be forgotten.
Escort departs Harrington, Maine, slows for a parade through the town of Milbridge at approximately 8:30 am
Travel Route 1 to 1A to morning event at Ellsworth YMCA, located at 238 State St, Ellsworth
Travel Route 1 for parade through Belfast to Bank of America located at 11 Schoodic Dr., Belfast
Travel Route 3 to Route 32 to 17 to 226 to 126 to afternoon event at Gardiner Middle School located at 161 Cobbossee Ave.
Travel 295 to Freeport exit, travel through the town and back on to 295 to evening event at Cheverus High School located at 267 Ocean Ave. in Portland
Day 1 Itinerary:
7:30AM – Leave Narraguagus High School
7:55AM – Parade through Milbridge, Maine
8:35AM – Wreath presentation at Union Congregational Church, Hancock,ME
9:05AM – Arrive Down East Family YMCA, 238 State St, Ellsworth, ME
9:35AM – Ceremony starts
10:50AM – Leave YMCA
12:05PM – Arrive Old Searsport Ave, Belfast ME for start of parade
12:05PM – Parade starts
12:20PM – Brief wreath presentation at Grove Cemetery, Belfast, ME
12:40PM – Arrive Bank of America – Belfast, 11 Schoodic Dr, Belfast, ME
1:10PM – Ceremony starts
2:25PM – Leave Bank of America
3:25PM – Drive by Windsor Elementary School, Windsor, ME
3:40PM – Drive by Chelsea-Togus Elementary School, Chelsea, ME
4PM – Arrive Gardiner Regional Middle School, Gardiner, ME
4:30PM – Ceremony starts
5:30PM – Leave Gardiner School
6:10PM – Convoy exits I-295 at Exit 22 to take Route 1 south into Portland
7PM – Arrive Cheverus High School, Portland, ME
7:30PM – Ceremony starts
History and Mission:
Morrill Worcester, owner of Worcester Wreath Company of Harrington, Maine, was a 12-year old paper boy when he won a trip to Washington D.C. It was his first to our nation’s capital and one that would change the trajectory of his life and the lives of millions of others across the country. Seeing the hundreds of thousands of graves and the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington National Cemetery made an especially indelible impression on him. It was to be an experience that would follow him throughout his life and successful career, reminding him that his good fortune was due, in large part, to the values of his nation and the veterans who made the ultimate sacrifice for their country (read full story)
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