Wreath-laying Mainers pay respects at Arlington
12/13/08 | 26 comments

Wreath-laying Mainers pay respects at Arlington


17-year-old tradition punctuated by smiles, tears
By Maite Jullian
Boston University Washington News Service
BANGOR DAILY NEWS PHOTO BY GABOR DEGRE
Members of the Burton-Goode-Sargent Chapter 1 of the Korean War Veterans of America lay six wreaths at the Korean War Memorial at Mount Hope Cemetery on Saturday. The ceremony was held to honor the men and woman in all major branches of the military and it coincided with the laying of thousands of wreaths in Arlington National Cemetery. The 3rd annual event was held as part of the Wreaths Across America Project founded by Morrill Worcester of Harrington who also donated the wreaths. Buy Photo

ARLINGTON, Va. — Cindy DeCosta took her time to lay a wreath at Arlington National Cemetery on the grave of Edmund S. Muskie, former Maine governor, U.S. secretary of state and U.S. senator. Her eyes were glossy with tears and her voice trembled as she thanked members of the Maine State Society for the opportunity they had given her.

For the first time Saturday, Cindy and her husband, Tim, who live in Windham, Maine, came to help place about 10,000 wreaths on the graves of fallen soldiers and veterans, a tradition that began 17 years ago.

“What better way is there to honor people who lost their lives for America?” she said. “The best part of it is to see people show their patriotism and take time out of their busy lives to lay a wreath. It is very emotional.”

Arlington was the last stop for the DeCostas, who left Harrington, Maine, last Sunday to accompany the two trucks carrying the wreaths given by the Worcester Wreath Co. Tim is a member of the Patriot Guard that escorted the convoy on its 750-mile trip.

“We cried all the way down here,” Cindy said.

On this cold but sunny Saturday morning, more than 3,000 people lined up under the McClellan red brick arch to get a wreath distributed from the back of the trucks. Families, veterans and couples slowly spread along the aisles of the cemetery.

Each picked a grave and laid a wreath. Some took pictures. Some had tears rolling down their cheeks. Other smiled. All kneeled down to write down the names of the soldier or veteran they honored on the stickers given for the occasion for the first time.

In two hours, the white graves of Section 12 of the cemetery were filled with wreaths with shiny red bows.

“This is a great, a wonderful thing to do,” Sylvia Wendt, from Rumford, and her three friends said in a chorus, with large smiles on their faces. “It is an honor to be here.”

Wendt has been coming to Arlinton for the past six years. On Saturday she was standing with her high school friends Susan Starr, from Scarborough, Cindy Flaherty of Saco and Gail Divine of Wallingford, Conn., who came for the first time.

They all went together to lay a wreath on a grave and then pay their respects to the veterans, spouses and children who also are buried at the national cemetery.

“You look at the names and dates,” Divine said.” It’s hard to explain, but you definitely make a connection.”

After all the wreaths were distributed, Wendt and her friends followed the group of Mainers to the grave of Muskie. Later on, they stopped at the Kennedy gravesites, the USS Maine Memorial and the Tomb of the Unknowns for a special ceremony.

What started as a small ceremony 17 years ago — when about 40 members of the Maine State Society, a Washington, D.C., organization that brings together Maine natives, laid about 4,000 wreaths — has become a national commemoration after a photograph of the wreaths, resting against gravestones on a snowy day, was e-mailed around the world three years ago.

Since then, the event has attracted many more volunteers. In 2005, there were 100. In 2006, 500. Last year, organizers estimate that around 3,000 people showed up. Some members of the Maine State Society said they thought there were even more volunteers on Saturday than last year.

Mary Beegle came from Dubois, Pa., with 35 other people for the first time.

“We have students in Iraq,” she said. “Our chaplain has just returned from Iraq. We all have connections and we are very privileged to be here to honor the people who did this for America.”

For the first time this year, Dec. 13 was officially “Wreaths Across America” day after the Senate unanimously passed a resolution this week introduced by Maine Sens. Olympia Snowe and Susan Collins to “recognize the hard work and generosity of all those involved in the project.”

The program prepared more than 105,000 wreaths to be placed on graves at 354 cemeteries and monuments across the country and 24 sites overseas, including four in Iraq.

Lew Pearson, a member of the Maine State Society, said that next year three trucks will come to Arlington as the society keeps receiving calls from all over the country and abroad.

“People want to participate for the purpose behind this or because they have a family member or a friend buried here,” he said. “It means a lot to a lot of people. It’s great.”

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Comments
26 comments on this item
On 12/13/08 at 8:50 PM, bobsmith wrote:         Repeated separate thumbs down will cause comment to be hidden

Every year when this event happens I feel very sorry for the people involved. The hole event was started and is still a marketing ploy by worcester wreath to sell wreaths. This conclusion was arrived by observations of the past and present business actions of Mr Worcester. Any consistant reader of the BDN will remember illegal dumping, illegal clear cutting, and the numerious counts of hiring Illegal aliens are just a very few of his business decisions.

A business person with that track record is out to HONOR oneself not his follow man.

To honor the men and women who gave the most is a honorable qwest, but to line ones pockets under false pretense... they get their just reward in the end.

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On 12/13/08 at 8:52 PM, Ronald wrote:         Repeated separate thumbs down will cause comment to be hidden

A good friend of mine, State Trooper Tom Pelletier of Eagle Lake, escorted the truck convoy to Arlington.

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On 12/13/08 at 10:30 PM, AnneRicker wrote:         Repeated separate thumbs down will cause comment to be hidden

I feel very sorry for you, bobsmith whoever you are - with an attitude like yours, the Grinch will soon be out of business!

As a second-generation military dependent, and a 30+ year Marine Corps wife, I welcome any token of appreciation to those who gave the last full measure of themselves for their country no matter who is making that gesture, or what his perceived business shortcomings may be.

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On 12/13/08 at 11:37 PM, jdboys wrote:         Repeated separate thumbs down will cause comment to be hidden

First of all, Tom Pelletier Is one of the coolest Troppers around.. A heck of a nice guy... Does, his job damn well!!!!! And don't forget it!!!!!!!!! Way togo Tom!!

As far as Bob Smith!!!!!!! Everyone Knows Bob Smith!!!!!! A JOKE!!! ha, HA!!!!!! Don't see you out there BOB!!!! Doing your good deed!!!!! OH, I forgot your too HIGH Class for that!!!!!!!!

ANYWay, Hats off to this wreath company, and ToM Pelletier, and the mainers who made this all happen!!! GREAT JOB!!!!!!!!

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On 12/14/08 at 3:51 AM, clamchowdah wrote:         Repeated separate thumbs down will cause comment to be hidden

Bob Smith--- blah, blah, blah!!! This whole event takes hundreds if not thousands of volunteers time to make this happen. How about give them some thanks and show them some respect instead of all your gibberish. Thank you everyone for making this happen every year!!

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On 12/14/08 at 6:00 AM, Richard37 wrote:         Repeated separate thumbs down will cause comment to be hidden

Grant you that this is a publicity stunt,but at least our brave fallen get honored and thats what counts.the end justifies the means,bobsmith get a life,you take shit way to far,nobody cares.

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On 12/14/08 at 4:49 PM, frenchloprabbitz wrote:         Repeated separate thumbs down will cause comment to be hidden

Let's hear it for Tom Pelletier and all of Maine State Troopers...!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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On 12/14/08 at 5:12 PM, GregCyr wrote:         Repeated separate thumbs down will cause comment to be hidden

I'm formerly from Ft. Kent, a retired veteran, and I live near the DC Metro area. I'd like to participate in the wreath laying ceremony next year. How do I sign up or who do I contact?

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On 12/14/08 at 9:01 PM, Kevin_of_Bangor wrote:         Repeated separate thumbs down will cause comment to be hidden

Bobsmith would you like to purchase a W for 200? I had no clue a hole was having an event.

As for the story. Thanks to all that made this happen.

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On 12/14/08 at 10:27 PM, downeastlady wrote:         Repeated separate thumbs down will cause comment to be hidden

GregCyr, this website should give you the info you're looking for.

www.wreathsacrossamerica.org

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On 12/15/08 at 8:08 AM, choppahdave wrote:         Repeated separate thumbs down will cause comment to be hidden

This seems like such a nice gesture. Does anyone know how they pay their help?

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On 12/15/08 at 8:24 AM, Knightscross wrote:         Repeated separate thumbs down will cause comment to be hidden

Pathetic, Maine wreaths made by Illegal Criminal Aliens. Very sad day, indeed.

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On 12/15/08 at 8:30 AM, CindyD wrote:         Repeated separate thumbs down will cause comment to be hidden

I was fortunate to travel with this escort from Harrington to Arlington.

bobsmith- you are truly ignorant. the Worcesters did this for 14 years without anyone even knowing. As a family they traveled to Arlington on their own to lay 5000 wreaths. It came to national attention with a photo that appeared on the internet. Now they stop at schools, VFW, Legion halls, town squares and many other spots all the way to Arlington to educate and honor. They are amazing people who deserve respect and gratitude from all of us. It is a labor of love for them.

Richard37- you aren't much smarter but at least you acknowledge that the end result is good.

Choppadave- if you are referring to paying the help to Arlington, we are all volunteers.

Thank you to the Worcesters for allowing us to be a part of this amazing project.

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On 12/15/08 at 8:45 AM, choppahdave wrote:         Repeated separate thumbs down will cause comment to be hidden

The nature of the deed touches my heart as I am also a veteran but I have also worked in downeast Maine and I know how hard it is to get a living wage. It just seems like there is a lot of product 'left over'.

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On 12/15/08 at 9:15 AM, biglake wrote:         Repeated separate thumbs down will cause comment to be hidden

I can't beleive how ignorant Bob Smith's comment was. I sure hope if you live in a glass house that you have lived a perfect life. I for one would like to take the time to thank Worcester wreaths for all the time and money that they put into this every year. I was vey blessed that my son came back from war safe and sound. Under each one of these headstones lays a hero. Each on has given part of there lives to serve our country or lost their lives serving our country. I would be very surprised if Mr. Smith ever served his country in any compacity.

Thank-you Worcester Wreath's for your generous donation of time and money to this project.

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On 12/15/08 at 9:59 AM, anonon wrote:         Repeated separate thumbs down will cause comment to be hidden

Think about it: Every year there are several articles about Worcester Wreath Company.

They donated a small percentage of the wreaths, and they are made out in the article and are portrayed as the only contributors.

It is not only Worcester Wreath donateing to the whole project, so that proves the publicity part of the wreath business.

I can't figure out how all these people can take time off from work to be able to go to arlington cemetary to lay wreaths. I have to work to put food on the table and save for x-mas instead of paying for the trip there and lodgeing and food. I am very thankfull to the men and woman that died for our country and thank the volunteers for their time laying the wreaths but the media is not supposed to be all about Worcester Wreath Company. It is all about the men and woman that died for our country or fought for our country. The articles seem to be more about the Wreath Company or Morill Wooster rather than the people that fought and died for our country. I also think that if your not just boasting up publicity for Morrill Worcester Wreath Company try and put the other contributors in the articles. That will prove to people that it is not all a publicity stunt for Morrill Worcester.

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On 12/15/08 at 10:11 AM, LincolnMOM wrote:         Repeated separate thumbs down will cause comment to be hidden

Mr Worcester may not be the perfect honest business man...and he is NOT the only one who is donating his time & wreathes to this cause...there are several other Maine wreath makers who donate...why are they never listed???????????????????????I know for a fact he has paid his workers in the logging part of his many businesses rubber paychecks for over a months time. He has done more dishonest things...and has even been caught for a few (see BDN archives) BUT...when it all boils down to it no one is perfect...and whatever his reason may be for him donating...it IS a nice gesture to try and redeem his ways. May the soldiers rest in peace......................

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On 12/15/08 at 10:16 AM, firestorm51 wrote:         Repeated separate thumbs down will cause comment to be hidden

ummmmm, Bangor Daily, could you please not print ignorant comments from people like bob smith,its nice to allow people the place to comment on articles,but to read his comments just piss alot of people off, thankyou in advance

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On 12/15/08 at 10:31 AM, LincolnMOM wrote:         Repeated separate thumbs down will cause comment to be hidden

Ummmm firestorm51...ever hear of freedom of speech? Not all people are positive...not all people can forgive and forget. It is just the way things are, and if we all had the same things to say...wouldn't this be a boring site?

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On 12/15/08 at 11:03 AM, anonon wrote:         Repeated separate thumbs down will cause comment to be hidden

A Quote fro the Worcester wreath website:

Welcome to Worcester Wreath Co. the worlds largest holiday balsam decoration producer. All of our balsam products are handmade in Maine with the highest quality Maine balsam.

The Wreaths are not hand made ,They are made by machine, That is one lie, the second lie is that they say the brush is from maine, most of it comes from canada also not a Maine product.

Firestorm51 This site is set up for people to comment their views of the subject, and maybe if Morrill Worcester Wreath Company wasn't getting all the publicity for the wreath laying it wouldn't look so bad, but in the news, or in the articles in the paper all it talks about is Worcester wreath he is not the only one contributing to the cause but they make him out to be a saint, and he isn't. He is gaining publicity so that when he screws up again, whick mark my words he will, everybody will say ,,,,he would never do that he is way too generous, or they will say well lets just slap him on the wrist this time because of what good he has done. You can't pull the wool over some peoples eyes .

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On 12/15/08 at 11:17 AM, LincolnMOM wrote:         Repeated separate thumbs down will cause comment to be hidden

I agree anonon!

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On 12/15/08 at 4:15 PM, Knightscross wrote:         Repeated separate thumbs down will cause comment to be hidden

Firestorm51, most of what Bobsmith says is true. Where do get the Gaul to try to censor someones free speech. You must work for Worcester Wreaths. The Illegals can't speak while making wreaths for slave wages. Most of the brush is from Canada and most of the workers are Illegal Alien Mexicans. So how can these wreaths even be called Maine wreaths.

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On 12/15/08 at 5:01 PM, downeastgodess wrote:         Repeated separate thumbs down will cause comment to be hidden

these are Maine wreaths - made from balsam that comes from Maine - not Canada. They are made by Americans, Americans who were born here and Americans who have legal citizenship to work in this country. They hire Mexicans, etc. because the people in downeast Maine would rather live off the state than work for a living! Worcester Wreath pays wages higher than your fast food joints, as high as entry level tellers in a bank, quadruple the pay of a waitress!!!

What I can't figure out is how you all have the right to judge someone without even knowing all of the facts. Furthermore, if you don't like what is said in the comment section of this paper - DON"T READ IT. I get angry at some of these comments, but it's not even worth it.

Worcester Wreath Company has grown over the years such that they need to hire extra people who migrate to the area who really want to work for a living.

You all eat blueberries - they are raked by the indians and mexicans. what about your Nike shoes that are made by 6 year olds in the Phillipines. this article is not about Morrill Worcester, its about a service being done for our veterans and our country.

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On 12/15/08 at 6:22 PM, downeastlady wrote:         Repeated separate thumbs down will cause comment to be hidden

The balsam has come from Canada in the past.

Not everyone in Downeast Maine wants to live off the state....a lot of Mainers have had to have help with the shape the economy is in. Sometimes everyone needs a hand.

McDonald's pays $8 an hour with benefits and full time. Worcester Wreath...$9 an hour and not even a full 40 hour week.

Worcester Wreath needs to hire extra people who migrate here because the locals have been burned by them in the past.

I don't eat blueberries and I can't afford Nike sneakers.

Furthermore, if donating wreaths is only about being a service to honor our veterans and our country, why is there a link to the Worcester Wreath website on the Wreaths Across America website? Not about the publicity, huh?

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On 12/15/08 at 6:57 PM, anonon wrote:         Repeated separate thumbs down will cause comment to be hidden

downeastgodess :

I think you ought to check your facts, I used to work for them and know exactly what goes on there.

Fact #1

Worcester Wreaths are made by machine.

Fact #2 Wocester wreath has been bust how many times for certain problems:

# 1 hireing ilegals

# 2 illegal dumping

# 3 clear cutting

Fact #2 Check your soarces again

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On 12/15/08 at 6:58 PM, anonon wrote:         Repeated separate thumbs down will cause comment to be hidden

downeastgodess :

Fact # 2 Check your facts again , some of their brush is most definately from Canada.

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