Projo 7 to 7 News Blog

Journal photo/Steve Szydlowski
David Lema, a member of the Patriot Guard Riders, inspects the group flag on the back of his motorcycle. The Patriot Guard Riders escort a convoy of tractor trailers on their way from Maine, to Arlington National Cemetery, with a shipment of 10,000 wreaths for the cemetery.

By Peter C.T. Elsworth
Journal staff writer

NORTH ATTLEBORO, Mass. -- Some 20 members of the Rhode Island Chapter of the Patriot Guard Riders assembled at the Emerald Square Mall this morning to join a convoy of state troopers, fellow members of Patriot Guard and two tractor trailers containing 10,000 Christmas wreaths heading to Arlington National Cemetery.

The tradition of trucking wreaths to Washington was started about 15 years ago when the Worcester Wreath Co. of Harrington, Maine, found itself with a slew of extra holiday wreaths.

Owner Morrill Worcester came up with the idea of donating them to Arlington National Cemetery and the idea has since expanded to donating wreaths to veteran's cemeteries across the nation.

"It started with 5,000 wreaths (in 1992)," said Worcester, who was accompanying the convey. "This year 105,724 wreaths will be laid at veterans' cemeteries (on Saturday) across the country and around the world."

Last year, Worcester established Wreaths across America to carry out the job of distributing the wreaths. In addition, he called on the Patriot Guard Riders to escort the wreaths as they make their way from Maine to Arlington.

The Patriot Guard Riders was formed in 2005 to honor America's fallen, especially from untoward demonstrations during funerals. Members come from various motorcycle clubs and veterans' associations.

The convoy spent the night in Foxboro, Mass., stopped at the mall and continued on for ceremonies at the Seabee Museum in Quonset before heading on to Connecticut and the night in Old Saybrook.

Rhode Island State Trooper Charles LaValley in a squad car joined up in Emerald Square, along with four members of the Warwick Police Traffic Division on motorcycles, and they will accompany the convoy to Stonington, Conn.

 Tags  D.C. Massachusetts North Attleboro Patriot Guard Riders Washington

Comments

Joy said:

You should have attached a picture of Arlington decorated with these wreaths. It circulates every year by e mail. It's very impressive and makes you think. Thank you Mr. Worcester and Merry Christmas to you.

Link | December 10, 2008 6:03 AM
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Michelle said:

Thank you for being so generous to remember Veterans for all the wars at Arlington. I applaude you for what you do each year.
My father was a vet of WWII.

Link | January 2, 2010 7:48 PM
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