1992What is the largest wreath-laying program in America and Canada?
Wreaths Across America, the largest wreath-laying program in the United States, was founded in 1992 by Morril Worcester of Harrington, Maine, after he placed 5,000 surplus wreaths at Arlington National Cemetery. This heartfelt gesture to honor veterans has grown into an annual event involving over two million volunteers and the placement of more than 1.5 million wreaths at 2,500 locations across the U.S., at sea, and abroad. Inspired by this movement, Wreaths Across Canada was established in 2007, leading to ceremonies at military cemeteries nationwide, including the National Military Cemetery in Ottawa where more than 2,800 wreaths are laid each December. The dual programs unite communities on both sides of the border, with Wreaths Across America and Wreaths Across Canada marking their 34th and 15th anniversaries in December 2025.
