Before I was a Soldier's Mom

This being the second Mother's Day with Chris being in Iraq, I was searching for stories of other Mom's and their thoughts. I came across this poem at Some Soldier's Mom that really hit the spot. I think we can all agree that our lives are just not the same during the deployment.

Before I was a Soldier's Mom

I never tripped over a rucksack or knew the words to the Army song.

I didn't worry whether or not my child could shoot or had "zeroed up".

I never imagined saying, "Good job!" when my child told me he had jumped out of a perfectly good airplane... or when he qualified with a grenade launcher.

I could not have told you the difference between division, brigade, regiment, battalion, company, platoon or squad.

I cheered for Navy.


Before I was a Soldier's Mom

I never looked into a soldier's eyes and cried.

I didn't understand "HOOAH".

I never imagined I could be so gloriously happy over a simple "Hey, Ma."

Before I was a Soldier's Mom -

I had complete control of my mind and my thoughts.

I slept all night.

I never sat up late staring at a computer screen or woke in the middle of the night just to check if the computer and cell phone were working.


Before I was a Soldier's Mom

I never knew that so few words could affect my life so deeply: Deployment. Bradley. Wounded. and I never knew the alphabet could rob me of breath: OIF. IED. RPG. WIA. KIA.

I never felt my heart break into a million pieces when I couldn't stop my child's hurt.

I didn't weep at the sound of "Taps", the National Anthem or "American Soldier".

I never held back a scream or had my knees go weak at an unexpected knock at the door.


Before I was a Soldier's Mom -

I never had so many sisters! (and brothers) nor so many sons and daughters!

I never felt fear so completely.... and

I never felt such pride.

Help...I'm Being Invaded By Butterflies

As the deployment is coming to an end, I find that my excitement is almost overwhelming. The anticipation of seeing Chris on American soil again has been prayed about and thought about for fourteen long months and it's almost a reality! Every since Lidia's son, Anthony started his journey home (Advon team)I've had butterflies in my stomach. With each returning flight, I get more and more butterflies. The thought of having our guys back is absolutely wonderful!

I can only imagine how the Soldiers are feeling right now. The final days...getting everything packed up, saying goodbye to those staying and the thought of getting back home to their loved ones and the luxaries of the good ole USA has to be a feeling that is undescribable...somewhat the same as a wedding day or the birth of a child.

The past fourteen months have been full of so many emotions. Now my days are being filled with butterflies!!! A great feeling! Welcome Home to those that have arrived safely! To all the others...good luck and have a safe flight home! Until then, I will continue to let my butterflies invade!!

Mom's Battle

MOM'S BATTLE
It's not a fight with a fire and gun
by Sgt. Wm. M. Golden, Jan. 6, 1945

Mom's battle is the toughest one,
Cause it's the kind that's never won.
It's not a fight with fire and gun;
It's all day wondering, "Where's my son"?

It's not a war. It's a fight within.
It's where I'm at, and where I've 'bin?
It's what I eat' am I getting thin?
Am I steering clear of "hell and sin"

Do I pray to God to see me through
My every day, like I used to do?
Am I still the carefree boy she knew?
It's been so long...a year, or two.

It's remembering, when I was small,
How 'round the house I used to crawl:
And the day that I began to walk,
And later when I learned to talk.

The things I said; the things I did
When I was nothing but a kid
It's all these things that haunt Mom's mind,
It's a battle of a different kind.

A day ne'er starts, a day ne'er ends,
Without a prayer that dear Mom sends
To our Heavenly Father up above,
That He'll watch o'er her fondest love.

She has no defense against attack,--
Just prays to God to send me back
She fights her battle for her son
With prayer her weapon...not a gun.

But I guess that's what a Mom is for,--
To guide the son she proudly bore,
Whether he's home or off to war
A guy can't ask his God for more!

Helping Each Other Through Change

I thought this was very appropriate with our Soldiers returning home soon

Helping Each Other Through Change
by Rick Warren

“I hope you will be patient with me ….” (2 Corinthians 11:1a, NLT)
In order to manage change, you must remember five things –

Love each other

The first mistake most people make during change is to focus on what they’ve lost, instead of what has been gained – and that creates fear. The antidote to fear is love: “There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear ….” (1 John 4:18 NKJ)

It’s impossible for love and fear to exist in the same environment – If we’ll focus on loving each other, then we’ll break out of the self-centeredness that often emerges during change. The love that conquers fear involves thinking about others instead of focusing on your own needs – and the more you love, the less you fear.

Listen to each other

During transition, we must be “quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry ….” (James 1:19 NIV) If we get the first two right (quick listening, slow speaking), then the third (slow anger) will become automatic. It reflects the concept of “seeking to understand” before trying “to be understood.”

“Post this at all the intersections, dear friends: Lead with your ears, follow up with your tongue, and let anger straggle along in the rear.” (James 1:19 MSG)

Level with each other

We must speak the truth in love to each other if we’re going to walk together through change. It is human nature to avoid confronting someone directly, but then we fall into problems – even gossip – by talking to other people about the person we need to confront.

We can’t get close to each other until we deal honestly with our fundamental differences. “Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will in all things grow up into him who is the Head, that is, Christ.” (Ephesians 4:15 NIV)

Liberate each other

Finally, we need to show each other grace – “cut each other some slack” – during transition. Liberating each other means letting go and treating someone else the same way Jesus treats you.

In other words, we shouldn’t lean into legalism or lording mistakes over others. People will make mistakes, and our response should be to recognize that these things will happen. The goal is not to make those who make mistakes feel bad, but rather to let them get over it and move on.

Let's Show Our Support!

MSNBC Report
Progress Report Five Years Later

NBC's Lester Holt reports on the progress of the war with NBC's Richard Engel

This report is VERY disturbing to me. Engle reports that the Soldiers feel that America is becoming disconnected with the war...that America has moved on. He reports that the Soldiers feel that the only people that care now are their family and friends...not the overall American citizens. I'm not sure how true this report is but CERTAINLY we do not want our troops to feel that way. We want them to know how much we appreciate and recognize their sacrifices!!! They ARE NOT forgotten!!!

Please pass the word (click on envelope icon below to forward this post) and let's show our Soldiers how much we appreciate them! I know we have many soldiers that read Footprints In The Sand so leave your comment and let's prove to Engel and our troops that they are not fogotten and America has NOT moved on. Feel free to pass this on to friends, co-workers and family.

We support our troops and appreciate what they have done and are doing for our country!

We have NOT moved on!

We stand behind you and believe in your mission and will continue to support you...not just because we are family...but because we are Americans!

God Bless Our Soldiers!

Mom Be Bold

Mom Be Bold
by Roger J. Robicheau

Dedicated to Moms of our military...

I may clutch a picture of my child
Go in that room of memories wild

Thoughts come with me wherever I go
Prayers often lead my way, you know

My young one has left to be so brave
The hero of my heart, gone to save

At times I want to reach out and hold
But I know the answer, Mom be bold

The love of my child is part of me
So strong and good, it will always be

Nurtured in life with a caring heart
This child to me is a work of art

Dear God you know how my love is true
I’ve prayed for my soldier, more I’ll do

And to mothers who live their life as I
We’ll grow in support, our flag raised high

Together we’ll get through each new day
Becoming great friends, God Bless our way


©2002 Roger J. Robicheau

Why Mothers Cry

This was sent to me today and I thought it was quite appropriate to post. I have shed many tears over the last twelve months but each and every one made me a stronger person. Being a Mom is not an easy job, especially when your child is deployed, but it's a title I'm proud to have!


"Why are you crying?" a little boy asked his mom.
"Because I'm a Mother," she told him.

"I don't understand," he said.

His mom just hugged him tightly and said, "You never will!"

Later the boy asked his father why Mother seemed to cry for no reason.

"All mothers cry for no reason," was all his Dad could say.

The little boy grew up and became a man, still wondering why mothers cry. So he finally put in a call to God.

When he got God on the phone the man asked, "God, why do mothers cry so easily?"

God said, "You see, when I made mothers, they had to be special. I made their shoulders strong enough to carry the weight of the world, yet gentle enough to give comfort. I gave them an inner strength to endure childbirth and the rejection that many times come from their children."

"I gave them a hardiness that allows them to keep going when everyone else gives up, and to take care of their families through sickness and fatigue without complaining."

"I gave them the sensitivity to love their children under all circumstances, even when their child has hurt them very badly. This same sensitivity helps them to make a child's boo-boo feel better, and helps them share a teenagers anxieties and fears."

"I gave them a tear to shed. It's theirs exclusively to use whenever it's needed. It's their only weakness. It's a tear for mankind."

One Year Ago

One year ago today...a memory that will never fade or disappear. I remember the details so vividly. The weather was quite gloomy and the emotions were the same. I really didn't know how I was going to be able to handle Chris being in Iraq. My stomach was upset and my nerves were shot. It seemed like my eyes kept being drawn to Chris...I guess I was trying to capture the image while I could. Watching the busses pull away was like someone tugging on my heart...my only son was off to war.

Each and everyday as I pull out of the driveway, I see our yellow bow tied around our oak tree and realize that another day has gone by and we are one step closer to their return. The bow is faded and worn by the weather but still serves it purpose...much like our troops. With one year behind them, I know they are worn and tired and very ready to return home. However, they still do their jobs with pride and enthusiam. They never give up!

I started writing this blog as a way to keep my family and friends in touch with what was going on with Chris and the rest of the Soldiers. I must admit, it has become a deep passion and has served as my way of coping with Chris being deployed. Many of you have expressed that Footprints In The Sand has helped you as well, and that is my motivation. This deployment is not easy on anyone but together we have coped and managed to deal with it. I passionately research every day to find out what great things are troops are doing and it gives me a sense of being a little closer to Chris. Joey and I laugh that one day I might actually find a picture or a mention of Chris in an article and I would probably faint! I remember how exciting it was when I found Nick and Bill in the Chicken Wing contest!!!! It was so nice to see them having a little fun.

Today I reflect on all the emotions that we have experienced the past twelve months, all the anxious moments, the anticipation of an email or phone call and the excitement when we get one, the thrill of sending packages, the hesitation when the phone rings, the fear when their is a "Breaking News' story, the proudness when we get special news, the faith that God is watching over and protecting our Soldiers and the patience that this will all be over soon.

It is my hopes to either take all the pictures I have used in the blog and produce a slide show to share or possibly turn the blog into a printed version to pass down later on. This journey is not over yet, but we are definitely on the final chapter. Thanks to all of you that have been on the journey with me through this blog...for all the comments and support. Very soon our Soldiers will be back on American soil and this too will have passed. Until then, we will continue to support them and have faith. God Bless our Soldiers and all their families!

The Ultimate Surprise

Surprises are so exciting, but this one really takes the cake. Thursday I had written my good friend, Bernadette and in closing, told her to have an awesome day! Bernadette is Chris’ friend and old housemate in Georgia, Nick’s mom. And remember, Nick deployed with Chris and is at FOB Hammer. Well, that’s exactly what happened…she had the most awesome day of her life! Her day started out as a pretty routine day. She had gone to the Post Office to mail Nick a Valentines package and had returned home and was doing some dishes.

She heard something out in the driveway so she looked out the window. She saw a car in the driveway that she didn’t recognize but saw a tall, thin man wearing a black Stetson hat and carrying some roses. Her first thought was that it looked a lot like Nick but then she realized that was impossible because Nick was in Iraq. She didn’t know what to make of the situation!

Then, she realized it was her son! Oh my goodness…he was actually there in real life. She had to pinch him to make sure she wasn’t dreaming. Needless to say, she was so excited, she could hardly stand it.

All along, Bernadette had been prepared that Nick was not going to get his R&R due to the fact that he had changed jobs and the slots were all used up. Both Nick and his family had accepted that and moved on to looking forward to the redeployment. Well, about a month ago, things changed and Nick was able to start planning his surprise visit.

Nick is doing good and I’m sure he’s enjoying every minute of being in the United States. I know when Chris returned to COP Cashe he really realized how great things are in the US and how appreciative he was of everything he has!

Welcome home, Nick and congratulations on pulling off the ULTIMATE SURPRISE!

Thank You From The Bottom of My Heart

Ever want to say thank you but didn't...then later wished you had? This is an awesome movie that is well worth the few minutes it takes to watch.

WATCH THANK YOU FROM THE BOTTOM OF MY HEART

How to sign "Thank You"

The sign we are using is intended to communicate
"thank you from the bottom of my heart. "

To make the sign simply place your hand on your heart
as though you're saying the Pledge of Allegiance. Then
pull your hand down and out, bending at the elbow
(not the wrist), stopping for a moment at about the belly button with your hand flat, palm up, angled toward the person you're thanking.

According to Norman Heimgartner, Ed.D., author of “Behavioral Traits of Deaf Children” and former Professor of Education at the University of Puget Sound, this sign originated in France in the late 1700’s, and was published in “Theorie des Signes”, a dictionary of signs by the Abbe Sicard. The sign was brought to the United States in 1816 by the Reverend Thomas Hopkins Gallaudet, founder of Gallaudet University, who later modified it to start at the chin rather than at the heart. That sign is now the standard sign for “thank you” in American Sign Language. The original sign, starting at the heart, is less commonly known today and might now be considered “slang”. For more information on American Sign Language, please see www.aslta.org.

Visit the Graditude Campaign website to find out how this all got started.

Wrong Button

Sometimes the littlest things can make the biggest difference. Before Chris deployed, he called the house one evening when we he knew we would not be home and left a goodbye message on our answering machine. He left each one of us a special message and told us to keep smiling and that he would be home soon. It was so heartfelt and had helped me through so many rough days. Well, today I had a new message left on the answering machine and when I went to check it I hit the wrong button.

My heart immediately sank! I felt horrible! I stared at the answering machine as if it would come back if I stared hard enough. My security blanket was gone. I knew the message was precious but now that it's gone, I realize just how priceless it was and how many smiles it brought me.

Best Commercial Ever

Too bad there aren't more commercials like this one from Anheuser Busch

Best commercial ever!

Stars and Stripes Valentine's Day Messages

Stars and Stripes is now accepting Valentine's Day messages. Messages will appear in Stars and Stripes editions around the world on the dates indicated in the publishing schedule below:

Publishing Schedule
Messages for inclusion in our Thursday, February 14, 2008, newspaper edition must be received by 8 AM EST on January 25, 2008. Messages will be published in the edition indicated by you when you submitted your message. Our goal is to publish every message we receive but restrictions beyond our control may limit the number we publish. Additionally, we may need to print messages in editions dated after February 14, so please check subsequent days to be sure you do not miss your message!

Online Schedule: Messages received after the January 25 print deadline will appear online only.

Send A Valentine's Day Message

Happy New Year!

Here's also to a safe, prosperous, healthy and peaceful New Year!
Praying for the safety and well being of our Soldiers and a safe return home!
Happy New Year, my friend!

Getting A Gate Pass

Elizabeth, one of the Footprints In The Sand readers, inquired about getting a gate pass for when her boyfriend comes home in March for his R&R.

Gate pass information

It was quite easy...I printed the information at the link above and took it to the American Airlines counter and presented a photo ID and they graciously presented me with the gate pass. In fact, everyone that went out to see Chris arrive was issued a pass, some of which were not family members. I understand all airports do not honor this directive, but most do. Also, most airports have a Hero's welcome committe that will come out and help welcome our heros home. The San Antonio Hero's welcome committee is sponsored by the local VFW. I would suggest calling the airport USO office and inquire as to what is available. Chris said when he arrived in Atlanta there was a very nice welcome and it really made him feel special. The other thing that Chris commented on was the welcome banner that we were holding when he came through the tunnel. Oriental Trading Company does a great job on the banners and they are very reasonably priced. I bought a small banner to have at the airport and a larger one that we put on the outside of the house. Hope this helps Elizabeth!

A Soldier's Christmas

A Soldier’s Christmas

‘TWAS THE NIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS, HE LIVED ALL ALONE,
IN A ONE BEDROOM HOUSE MADE OF PLASTER AND STONE.

I HAD COME DOWN THE CHIMNEY WITH PRESENTS TO GIVE,
AND TO SEE JUST WHO IN THIS HOME DID LIVE.

I LOOKED ALL ABOUT, A STRANGE SIGHT I DID SEE,
NO TINSEL, NO PRESENTS, NOT EVEN A TREE.

NO STOCKING BY MANTLE, JUST BOOTS FILLED WITH SAND,
ON THE WALL HUNG PICTURES OF FAR DISTANT LANDS.

WITH MEDALS AND BADGES, AWARDS OF ALL KINDS,
A SOBER THOUGHT CAME THROUGH MY MIND.

FOR THIS HOUSE WAS DIFFERENT, IT WAS DARK AND DREARY,
I FOUND THE HOME OF A SOLDIER, ONCE I COULD SEE CLEARLY.

THE SOLDIER LAY SLEEPING, SILENT, ALONE,
CURLED UP ON THE FLOOR IN THIS ONE BEDROOM HOME.

THE FACE WAS SO GENTLE, THE ROOM IN SUCH DISORDER,
NOT HOW I PICTURED A UNITED STATES SOLDIER.

WAS THIS THE HERO OF WHOM I’D JUST READ?
CURLED UP ON A PONCHO, THE FLOOR FOR A BED?

I REALIZED THE FAMILIES THAT I SAW THIS NIGHT,
OWED THEIR LIVES TO THESE SOLDIERS WHO WERE WILLING TO FIGHT.

SOON ROUND THE WORLD, THE CHILDREN WOULD PLAY,
AND GROWNUPS WOULD CELEBRATE A BRIGHT CHRISTMAS DAY.

THEY ALL ENJOYED FREEDOM EACH MONTH OF THE YEAR,
BECAUSE OF THE SOLDIERS, LIKE THE ONE LYING HERE.

I COULDN’T HELP WONDER HOW MANY LAY ALONE,
ON A COLD CHRISTMAS EVE IN A LAND FAR FROM HOME.

THE VERY THOUGHT BROUGHT A TEAR TO MY EYE,
I DROPPED TO MY KNEES AND STARTED TO CRY.

THE SOLDIER AWAKENED AND I HEARD A ROUGH VOICE,
“SANTA DON’T CRY, THIS LIFE IS MY CHOICE;
I FIGHT FOR FREEDOM, I DON’T ASK FOR MORE,
MY LIFE IS MY GOD, MY COUNTRY, MY CORPS.”

THE SOLDIER ROLLED OVER AND DRIFTED TO SLEEP,
I COULDN’T CONTROL IT, I CONTINUED TO WEEP.

I KEPT WATCH FOR HOURS, SO SILENT AND STILL
AND WE BOTH SHIVERED FROM THE COLD NIGHT’S CHILL.

I DIDN’T WANT TO LEAVE ON THAT COLD, DARK, NIGHT,
THIS GUARDIAN OF HONOR SO WILLING TO FIGHT.

THEN THE SOLDIER ROLLED OVER,
WITH A VOICE SOFT AND PURE,
WHISPERED, “CARRY ON SANTA,
IT’S CHRISTMAS DAY, ALL IS SECURE.”

ONE LOOK AT MY WATCH, AND I KNEW HE WAS RIGHT,
MERRY CHRISTMAS MY FRIEND, AND TO ALL A GOOD NIGHT.

All My Love

Written for my son currently stationed in Iraq: Heather Jennings

I saw this poem today on the Task Force Marne site and thought it appropriate on Christmas Day to post it for all to see. Though these words come from one mom to her son Nathaniel, she speaks for so many other families with loved ones serving away from home, so that others can enjoy their families at this special time of year. These words and feelings are shared by so many of us and so nicely said by Heather.


ALL MY LOVE

To the Army you are a soldier,
But you’re still my child, my son.
As a warrior you’ve grown strong and bolder,
But you’re still my cherished one.

When America beckoned, you answered the call,
And bravely you vowed to serve God and country.
As an American soldier you stand strong and tall,
And defend the world’s right to be free.

You love your mother, your family; I know;
And that same love we feel for you, too.
We try to smile as through each day we go,
And pray God will bring you home soon.

I hope you know, deep in your heart,
For you my love’s never-ending.
I’m proud of my son and though we’re apart…
Across the miles all my love I am sending!

Take Care,
Come home safe,
All my love,
Momma

Merry Christmas!

Merry Christmas to all! On this joyous day I can't help but have a heavy heart for all our troops that have so graciously sacrificed their family time to serve our country. I know that they will have a good meal and a little down time but I can't get them off my mind. I am thankful I have Chris home for the holidays but my heart is with all you that have loved ones alone today. I guess I shouldn't say alone because it is my understanding that they have formed their family away from family. They are all brothers and sisters. They will celebrate the day with their military family and will have all of you on their minds.

I hope all of you have a Very Merry Christmas and thanks for stopping by the blog today. I feel like all of you guys are my family now and I wanted to let you all know I'm thinking about you today! Love to all!! God Bless our wonderful Soldiers!!!

Jerky Treat For The Holidays

Roger Croteau
Express-News

JOHNSON CITY — The packages are small, just 2 or 4r ounces. But for American soldiers serving in war zones overseas, they are a little taste of home, and always appreciated.

Whittington's Jerky is giving its customers a way to show a little appreciation to U.S. troops in Iraq and Afghanistan. Customers can buy a pound of jerky through the "Jerky For Any Soldier" program, and Whittington's will pay to ship it. A network of military chaplains will distribute the treats to soldiers who have little or no support from family or friends at home.

"It costs this little company a lot to do it," said Susan Whittington, who owns the firm along with her husband, Sam. "We're just a mom-and-pop operation, but it is something we'll never stop doing. It's become a tradition."

The Whittingtons run a separate program, "Sticks For Pics," in which soldiers who send back a photo of themselves holding a bag of their jerky get a free package sent to them.

The soldiers' photos and letters fill the walls in various parts of the firm's Johnson City building.

"I have been away from home for a long time," one soldier wrote. "I look forward to going home to Burnet and taking that short drive to Johnson City where I can shake your hand and give you a proper thanks."

The company ships hundreds of pounds of jerky to Iraq and Afghanistan each year.

"We ship it in 2- or 4-ounce bags, and the soldiers always tell us they keep two bags for themselves and give their buddies the other two," Whittington said.

The company makes about 100,000 pounds of jerky each year in the little 2,600-square-foot building along U.S. 281. Almost the entire operation is done by hand. Three workers trim the large inside rounds of beef and then slice it into strips. After it is tumbled in a machine that uses vacuum pressure to pull a spice mix through the meat, it is smoked for 16 hours. When it's been dried in the mesquite-fired smokers, the jerky is cut and hand-packaged, weighed and vacuum-sealed.

Most other manufacturers put their beef into an electric dryer for three or four hours, Whittington said.

"We only do one thing," she said. "We make jerky and the product is our baby so we want to do it right."

To buy a pound of jerky for the "For Any Soldier" program, call (877) 868-5501 or order online at whittingtonsjerky.com and click on the "Any Soldier Program" icon.

The jerky costs $26 a pound, or $29.95 a pound for the new all-natural variety. The company has seven varieties of jerky.

Whittington's Jerky on the web

Christmas At Arlington Cemetery

Rest easy, sleep well my brothers.
Know the line has held, your job is done.
Rest easy, sleep well.
Others have taken up where you fell, the line has held
Peace, peace, and farewell...

Readers may be interested to know that these wreaths -- some 5,000 -- are donated by the Worcester Wreath Co. of Harrington, Maine. The owner, Merrill Worcester, not only provides the wreaths, but covers the trucking expense as well. He's done this since 1992. A wonderful guy. Also, most years, groups of Maine school kids combine an educational trip to DC with this event to help out. Making this even more remarkable is the fact that Harrington is in one the poorest parts of the state.

Christmas at Arlington Cementary Video

2007 will mark the 16th anniversary of holiday wreaths being sent from the State of Maine to Arlington National Cemetery. Each year the folks at Worcester Wreath Company make and decorate wreaths that will adorn over 5000 headstones of our Nation's fallen heroes - in what has become an annual event coordinated with the Cemetery Administration and the Maine State Society.

Row after row of bleached white stones, with evergreen wreaths and red bows - it is a stirring image to commemorate those who made the ultimate sacrifice for our country.

What started over 15 years ago, as one's man's dream to honor Veterans with Maine wreaths for the holidays, has become an annual event cherished by many. Humbled with a new understanding about the impact the Arlington Wreath Project has made, not only in honoring the dead, but recognizing the sacrifices of the living, Morrill Worcester - President of Worcester Wreath Company committed himself to doing more, by reaching out across the country.

Wreath-laying ceremonies: from Arlington to Across America

Spurred by the tremendous outpouring of letters and interest, and to celebrate the over 15 years of giving, Worcester Wreath Company solicited Civil Air Patrol, the Patriot Guard Riders and other civic-minded groups to help expand the reaches of the Arlington Wreath Project with Wreaths Across America - the placing of memorial wreaths during a special ceremony at each of the over 230 State and National Cemeteries, and Veterans Monuments across the country.


Morrill Worcester - President of Worcester Wreath Company explains his desire to develop the Wreaths Across America project:

"Our goal is to expand the recognition of those who serve our country, both past, present, and future, as well as their families who deserve our support. Without the sacrifices of our veterans, there would be no opportunity to enjoy the freedoms, the life we live today."

All 50 States and Puerto Rico.

This past year on December 14th, 2006 - Volunteers participated in Wreaths Across America at State and National cemeteries, and other prominant Veterans Memorials. We would like to say THANK YOU to all who helped make it such an amazing day. We are working to share the many stories, photos and videos from ALL the locations, as well as sharing some exciting news about Wreaths Across America in 2007!

Visit Wreaths Across America website