Wreaths Across America Day To Be Observed In Freehold

FREEHOLD, NJ — National Wreaths Across America Day will be marked in Freehold at noon at the Elks Point Memorial, organizers say.

The public can join many area organizations and local municipal representatives for the event.

Among those in attendance will be:

• Olive Branch Lodge #16 Free and Accepted Masons
• American Legion Post #54
• Marine Corps League Corporal Reynolds Detachment #203
• Disabled American Veterans Chapter #74
• Jewish War Veterans Post #359
• Veterans of Foreign Wars Post #4374

Municipal representatives from the Borough of Freehold and the Township of Freehold, community leaders, and residents will also be on hand as local fallen heroes are honored.

Wreaths Across America visited the New Jersey Vietnam Veterans’ Memorial in Holmdel Wednesday for its annual wreath-laying ceremony as part of its national “Veterans Honor Parade,” a convoy that travels the East Coast every year.

Wreaths Across America Day is taking place this Saturday across the United States. "Remember, Honor, Teach" is the mission of the Wreaths Across America organization.

The national group says it not only coordinates wreath-laying ceremonies at Arlington National Cemetery in Washington, DC, but also at more than 3,400 additional locations in all 50 states, at sea and abroad.

The Wreaths Across America program began in December 1992 in Harrington, Maine, "when wreath maker Morrill Worcester found himself with a surplus of 5,000 wreaths during the holiday season," according to the organization's website.

Worcester saw the surplus as an opportunity to pay tribute to our country’s veterans and, with the help of then-Sen. Olympia Snowe of Maine, arranged for the wreaths to be placed at Arlington National Cemetery.

This annual tribute to veterans has continued ever since, the site says. The organization's website offers many resources to learn about the program and offers educational opportunities for young people.