Wreaths Across America comes to Hampton

OFF THE WIRE
By Patrick Cronin
pcronin@seacoastonline.com
HAMPTON — A convoy of tractor-trailer trucks carrying thousands of Christmas wreaths made a special stop at Hampton Beach Monday morning on its way to Arlington National Cemetery, where the wreaths will be placed on the graves of those who paid the ultimate sacrifice for their county.
The Worcester family, owner of Worcester Wreath Co. in Harrington, Maine, stopped in town to place a wreath at the Marine Memorial Statue in honor of all New Hampshire sons and daughters lost or buried at sea during World War II.
Veterans surrounded the monument holding American flags awaiting the arrival of the convoy that was being escorted by members of the Patriot Guard Riders motorcycle club, police and other support groups.
“I'm just so proud of all of you standing out here in the cold,” said Karen Worcester. “This is one of the most beautiful sights I have ever seen.”
Worcester, along with her husband, Morrill, started the tradition of placing wreaths on headstones at Arlington National Ceremony 19 years ago as part of the Wreaths Across America program.
The Hampton stop was one of many planned in several states on their 770-mile trip to Virginia.
Worcester told those in attendance at the beach ceremony that their mission is to remember the fallen, honor those who serve and teach children the value of freedom.
She said this stop was extra meaningful to them because they recently lost the president of Wreaths Across America, retired Coast Guard Capt. John E. Williams, who died in July.
“Its very hard to be here without him but I know he is here,” said Worcester. “This particular stop would be very important to him.”
Selectman and part-time police officer Richard Bateman, who was one of many escorting the convoy, said the ceremony at the beach was a rededication to the statue that was recently refurbished as part of the beach redevelopment project.
“These names do not appear on headstones because all of these people lost their lives at sea,” Bateman said. “This is in recognition of all those who do not have the privilege of being buried at Arlington.”
Bateman said last year the Worcesters placed 16,000 wreaths in Arlington. This year, he said, there will be 28,000.
Worcester announced next year they will be placing a wreath on every gravestone at Arlington - more than 330,000 - as part of their 20th anniversary.
“We just received permission from the new administration next year to cover every grave at Arlington,” Worcester said. “We are so honored to do that. It's such a sacred thing to do.”
As part of the ceremony at the beach, Town Manager Fred Welch gave the Worcesters a proclamation declaring the month of December “Wreath Across America” month in the town of Hampton.
Morrill Worcester thanked the town and said they intend to place the proclamation in a future museum they are planing to build.
More than 50 people showed up to greet the Worcesters and thank them for what they are doing.
“I saw the trucks on the highway last year and when I heard they were coming to Hampton, I wanted to come out and support them,” said Robin Feales.
“It overwhelming, it's just incredible what they do,” said Paula Wood of Seabrook.
Prior to the beach ceremony, the convoy stopped at the American Legion Post 35 on High Street to lay a wreath in front of the Global War on Terrorism monument.
The monument lists the names of all veterans from New Hampshire who have lost their lives in the Global War on Terrorism since Sept. 11, 2001.
At that ceremony, Hampton State Rep. Chris Nevins presented the Worcesters with a proclamation from the state of New Hampshire.
Ralph Fatello, commander of American Legion Post 35, said it was an honor to have the Wreath Across America stop in Hampton.
“I think what the Worcester family is doing is truly beyond the call for a patriotic civilian,” Fatello said. “They donate their time and money, making all these wreaths and bringing them to Arlington. It means so much to those families.
“It's no secret what our monument means to us and it's an honor and a privilege for us to have one of those wreaths placed here,” he said.
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