12.17.2010

Christmas at Arlington National 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.  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.


This came in a letter to me tonight and I was very touched by it and wished to pass it on, not knowing if it has already been around or not.

Jo and Stella






19 comments:

Lacy said...

Khwite the powerful post -

Thanks!

Hugz&Khysses,
Khyra

How Sam Sees It said...

I know where I'm getting my wreaths from now on. What an act of compassion - I had no idea.

Sam

Jed and Abby in MerryLand said...

Dear Stella & mom, thanks for the beautiful post. Those of us with family buried at Arlington surely do appreciate the wreaths and the respect. Merry Christmas!

Jed & Abby

Bobby said...

HOW WONDERFUL IT LOOKS, THAT SOUNDS NOT RIGHT TO SAY ABOUT A CEMETERY BUT IT DOES AND IT IS VERY TOUCHING. WE WOULD ALWAYS GO TO THE WORCESTER COMPANY FOR OUR WREATHS.

Yas said...

Beautiful tribute.

Cheers,
Maxx

Cyndi and Stumpy said...

It's so easy to forget, this time of year, those who serve(d) Thanks for the reminder

Thanks for the idea with the container! Stumpy eats oatmeal containers and has figured out how to flip the lid off. Still, their good for a few minutes of entertainment!

KB said...

Thanks for sharing. That first photo is very touching... and then the story behind it is even more touching.

Merry Christmas to you and the girls!

Mogley G. Retriever said...

Thank you for reminding us again that freedom is not free. These are the people that paid the price so we could enjoy it. Always remember them.

Mogley G. Retriever

Anita said...

Thank-you for this lovely post. May we always remember those who have lost their lives in order that we may continue on in freedom.
Bones and Treats
Bronson and Pepper

Sue said...

What a nice thing to do. They look lovely and the families must be most touched by the generosity.

Golden Samantha said...

Extremely generous of this family to donate these beautiful wreaths in honor of those who have ensured our freedom. Thanks for this post, Stella - I had no idea.
Hugs xoxoxo
Sammie, Avalon and Mom

Tama-Chan, Benny, Vidock, Violette, Ollie, Heloise, Momo, Ryu said...

How beautiful.

Ms. ~K said...

This is so heart-warming!
Thank you for sharing...
We received your Christmas card....Thanks and Ho Ho Ho!
Kit and the Pups

Arran, Arthur and Mum said...

That has made my heart feel strange.
~lickies, Ludo

♥♥ The OP Pack ♥♥ said...

That is very beautiful. All those wreaths lying so peacefully in the snow to honor those wonderful men and women for their service.

Thanks for sharing. Hope you aren't too buried with all your snow.

Woos ~ Phantom, Thunder, and Ciara

♥I am Holly♥ said...

That is a very beautiful post and brought tears to my eyes. Lots of love, Debbie and Holly

Two Greyhound Town said...

That is beautiful! Thank you for sharing this. I had no idea this was done each year.

Gus, Louie and Callie said...

What a wonderful thing for them to do.. Wonderful post Stella and Jo..


Big Sloppy Kisses
Gus, Louie and Callie

AC said...

Thanks so much for sharing this. Your words and photos are being accompanied by "Danny Boy." Just perfect. A beautiful holiday image.