The Convoy For Wreaths Across America Arrives In Merrimack

MERRIMACK, NH — Crowds of people lined up in Merrimack on Baboosic Lake Road to watch the arrival of a convoy of volunteers in trucks delivering wreaths.

The annual Wreaths Across America left Eliot, Maine, on Monday led by a line of police cruisers from several agencies including the Maine State Police and the New Hampshire State Police.

The convoy of 12 trucks, filled with thousands of wreaths honked their horns while police officers sounded their sirens, highlighting the convoy.

"I think it's going to be a lot of emotions this week," said Renee Worcester, Director of Development for Wreaths Across America. "Where we're pulling into towns and there are kids on the side of the road waving that flag and really showcase what's best about America, showing patriotism and show support.”

In Merrimack, part of the convoy pulled into American Legion 43 on Baboosic Lake Road where they were greeted by cheers and applause. Merrimack Fire Rescue set up a ladder truck at the entrance of the parking lot and firefighters greeted the convoy.

Several tractor-trailers parked along O’Gara Drive lining up with their wreaths proudly displayed on the front of many of the trucks.

The students who were out on the playground of Mastricola Elementary School came to the fence to watch the truck and began chanting "U-S-A, U-S-A, U-S-A."

The "Escort to Arlington" convoy will arrive in Washington, D.C., on Friday for wreath layings at the Pentagon 9/11 memorial and at memorials on the National Mall.

Saturday is National Wreaths Across America day and thousands of wreaths will be placed at Arlington National Cemetery, thanks to help from scores of volunteers.

In the town of Merrimack, enough funds were raised to proudly display 594 wreaths, honoring those who served the country. The Merrimack fundraising effort exceeded their original goal by 44 wreaths.

Watch as the convoy arrives

“We’re proud to be Americans. There are so many veterans out there that need our thanks. We have so many volunteers that are carrying out the mission to remember honor and teach at 3100 locations this year. And this is just a little part of it. And we have so many boots on the ground that carry the mission and it’s a really wonderful thing,” said Worcester.

“We are going to honor the legacy of our fallen children. We are going to take these reasons and lay them down at veterans' graves in Arlington. To honor and teach and remember them. This thing, this is the most awesome thing that we can do as Americans; I know it’s going to be overwhelming,” said JoAnn Maitland, President of American Gold Star Mothers.

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©Jeffrey Hastings www.frameofmindphoto.com/news