CARIBOU, Maine — A blustery wind that created frigid below-zero temperatures was an unwelcome guest at the Northern Maine Veterans Cemetery in Caribou on Dec.15 as a noontime ceremony was conducted to recognize Wreaths Across America Day. Despite the bitter cold, a representative of each branch of the service and prisoners of war or those missing in action were present at the cemetery to lay a wreath in honor of past and present members of the United States military.
Earlier in the month, the United States Senate unanimously passed a resolution, authored and introduced by Senators Olympia J. Snowe and Susan Collins, designating Dec.15 as Wreaths Across America Day. On that day, a convoy of Mainers arrived at Arlington National Cemetery to lay Maine-made balsam wreaths at the gravesites of the nation’s fallen soldiers and veterans. The Patriot Guard Riders continued their tradition of escorting tractor-trailers filled with donated wreaths from Washington County to Arlington.
This year marked the 21st consecutive year that Morrill Worcester, owner of Worcester Wreath Company in Harrington, made the generous donation.
In addition to Arlington, wreaths were placed in veterans’ cemeteries such as NMVC around the country and the world. Last year wreaths were placed in more than 700 locations.
In a joint statement, Senators Snowe and Collins stated, “Wreaths Across America, true to the vision that Morrill and Karen Worcester conceived 21 years ago, has become the worldwide gesture of gratitude to our veterans and their loved ones. Because of the generosity of spirit and good will of hundreds of dedicated volunteers, this year an estimated 400,000 wreaths will be placed with solemn reverence at the base of the tombstones of veterans in all 50 states. Through this resolution, we humbly extend our appreciation to each of these patriots and join them in paying homage to our nation’s heroes,” the statement continued. “In this season of giving, the thoughts of all Americans turn to those who have given us the most precious gift of all, our freedom.”
The NMVC ceremony began with a moment of silence, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance. Andre Dumas, VFW Department of Maine state adjutant, led the ceremony.
“Today we show a united front of national unity all across the United States of America as we remember the fallen, honor those who serve and teach our children the value of freedom,” Dumas stated during the ceremony.
Present were Peter Miesburger, representing the United States Air Force; Linwood Lord, representing POW/MIAs; Allen Whitmore, representing the U.S. Marines; Kevin St. Pierre, representing the U.S. Coast Guard; David (Ovilla) Michaud, representing the U.S. Navy; Roy Woods, representing the U.S. Army; Phil Bosse, representing the U.S. Merchant Marines; and Conrad Guerrette, representing soldiers overall.
Bosse, who works for Sen. Collins’ office, has been placing his wreath for the Merchant Marines for several years.
“One of my first cases in the senator’s office was getting the remains of a Merchant Marine back to his family,” Bosse recalled. “I do this every year in honor of him.”
Dumas is hopeful that next year, with public support, a wreath will be available to place on each grave at the northern Maine cemetery.
