The donation of wreaths from the Worcester Wreath Co. began as a personal tribute from the Worcester family to military veterans who gave their lives for this country. The family quietly made these wreath donations to Arlington National Cemetery for nearly 15 years before a photo set them on a path they hadn’t dreamed about. The photo — of the company’s wreaths at Arlington covered in snow — went viral in 2006. Shortly thereafter, the Worcester Wreath Co. began receiving unsolicited money from people who were touched by the wreaths and what they represented, and who wanted to participate by sponsoring wreaths themselves. This money was returned to donors because there was no mechanism in place for the family to accept the donations at that time.

In 2006, the family continued to give and at the requests made to them through thousands of emails, sent wreaths to well over 100 locations — seven ceremonial wreaths — one for each branch of the military plus POW/MIA. The Worcester family still donates those ceremonial wreaths to any location that wants to hold a Wreaths Across America ceremony. There is no requirement by the Worcester’s or the WAA organization to sponsor wreaths to participate.

In 2007, spurred by thousands of requests to help with wreath donations, the family gathered those who had been involved at Arlington National Cemetery to set up a 501(c)3, Wreaths Across America, to accommodate and honor the spirit of the donations. After forming WAA as a 501c3, Worcester Wreath continued its tradition of donating wreaths (and remains one of the largest donors to the organization to date) and producing the sponsored wreaths at a discounted market price. 

The story of the formation of the nonprofit is a story that the family and the organization are proud to share regularly as part of its shared history. Wreaths Across America is proud of its commitment to its mission and offers full transparency with donors.

When a volunteer places a wreath on a veteran's grave on National Wreaths Across America Day, we encourage them to speak that veteran's name aloud, thank them for their service and sacrifice, and reflect on that person and their life.  That is why our mission to Remember, Honor and Teach lasts all year long, far beyond the single day in December when we coordinate wreath-laying ceremonies.

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