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Win McNamee / Getty Images
United States Marine Corps Sgt. Jeremy Grotler kneels at the grave of his friend, Lance Cpl. Tyler O. Griffin, after laying a wreath on his headstone at Arlington National Cemetery Dec. 10, in Arlington, Va. Griffin, 19, died April 1, 2010 in Helmand, Afghanistan. Thousands of military and civilian volunteers laid 100,000 donated holiday wreaths on headstones at the cemetery. Donated by the Worcester Wreath Co. of Harrington, Maine, the wreaths are now part of a 20-year tradition of decorating and honoring the graves of soldiers, sailors, Marines and guard members who served their country.
AP reports:
ARLINGTON, Va. -- Volunteers have laid tens of thousands of holiday wreaths at tombstones at Arlington National Cemetery.
Win McNamee / Getty Images
Josh Willette, age 2, salutes after laying a wreath on a headstone.
Maine Gov. Paul LePage joined thousands of volunteers Saturday in placing the wreaths. A convoy of more than 20 trucks left Maine last Sunday, bound for the cemetery across from the nation's capital.
The tradition began 20 years ago with little fanfare. Morrill Worcester, owner of Worcester Wreath Co. in Harrington, Maine, and others laid 5,000 wreaths on headstones that first year to give thanks to the nation's veterans.
Since then, it has grown into an organization called Wreaths Across America with ceremonies across the country.
Organizers said 15,000 people joined the effort at Arlington. The wreaths will be on view until Jan. 28.
Related story: 100K wreaths headed to Arlington National Cemetery
Jose Luis Magana / AP
Volunteer Pati Redmond of Frederick, Md., helps to lay holiday wreaths over the graves of fallen soldiers at Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, Va., Dec. 10, during Wreaths Across America Day.
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Grateful we have had the brave people to fight our wars and the caring people to honor them.
Except those that were buried in the landfill... or "misplaced".
And the guys who came back with Iraqi civilian fingers cut off as souvenirs?
God Bless these, our good and brave countrymen. While now at rest - you can feel and see them all around us - look to our flag - our vote - our choices - our freedom. Their dedication to our America - to you, me, their loved ones - havs given us these not to ever be taken for granted. Rest easy. You remembered.
Thank you to all who participated in this ceremony...from all of us who for reasons of health or distance to a nearby cemetery could not join you.
The photos are a humbling sight.
Heartbreaking and inspiring all at the same time.
I agree with Navy... it is heartbreaking... but where we disagree, is that his Marine's friend should not have died in a war that was "unwinable." I know we should have gone there first and only there (Afganistan) but we should have been in and out in what, five years? Sad sad. I wonder about that young man buried what he would have become.
It took only five posts for politics to be brought up. Sad.
Heidi, the problem is that Arlington Cemetery is not just for those who died in Afghanistan or Iraq.
We never should have sent our young men and women to die in Iraq! There was no right or freedom being threatened by that country and it took a lying ba$$@rd of a president to make up the threat of WMD to get us into the war there and waste 4,483 lives!
chwyd,
Get a new life. Or at least try to change your bitter life.
Amen, Heidi.
These pictures are beautiful, but sad and haunting as well. I wish I lived near Arlington so I could have volunteered. It would be an honor to perform this small gesture for a soldier who gave their life for their country.
One of my proudest memories is being born in Washington, DC. My father, a WWII veteran, (and the war my mother always described as, "The War to End All Wars", always took us as children to see the cemetary and The Eternal Flame (JFK) and the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. I did not realize then how historically significant each of us were back then; now I am proud to know both soldiers, patriots, and contientious objectors. That's what makes this country so great...that ALL of us are represented there in those haunting rows upon symmetrical rows of individuals laid to rest, the beauty of the austereness (is that a word?) is what strikes someone when they see the cemetary
Job Well Done my brothers and sisters may you rest in Peace. May your families be blessed. Rest, till the final call up from the highest authority.
So many deaths to fight for such ugliness in Washington.
Respectfully, Cookie, they don't fight for the ugliness in Washington; they fight for you and me...despite the ugliness in Washington.
bless them all ,my prayers are with you and your families.
I am thankful every day that I breathe... for the brave souls that stand to defend me, and the place that I hold dear. They do as their country and leaders ask.... No braver person walks this planet than the folks that write a blank check to our country... Peace be to the families they left behind... We, in my home, are grateful.
All could have been avoided if Bush had not taken our brave ones over there trying to solve problems these people have had for generations and will continue to have. They are ruled by violent Islamic muslim clerics and do not want any kind of freedom for their people. They rule with an iron hand and care nothing for their people.
Well, Carolyn, it didn't take long to turn this into a political statement. Isn't it just enough for this one day to be grateful that there are patriots such as these?
It sure didn't! Just think the 7,306 wasted lives in the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan could have been avoided if only our president Bushwhacker would have told the truth that there were no WMD there!
Normally I choose to ignore the ignorant. You're too stupid to pass up. Arlington has deceased starting with the Civil War. It honors all who gave their lives in service and sacrifice to their country, so that others may be free. Your p.c. worthless commentary couldn't be further off the mark. Shut up, and get out there in Jan and help collect all the wreaths. Be glad you are free to do so.
I will not get out there and take a wreath off of one grave. I come from a family long abused by the military men in it and their wrong doings. Even my cousin got named Pearl Junior due to her dictator of a general father. He got that way because of his greed and power int he military that id despise!
You know nothing
@ Carolyn-1144975 ................ While I have similar views on the war, this article is neither the time or place to debate the politics of, or lay blame. This is to pay homage to all American service members that died in all our wars and not just Afghanistan and Iraq. Pick another day and time to be critical and if you cannot pay homage to our fallen military at least allow the rest of us to do so without having to read your political thoughts.
How can you ridicule others when 90,000 and counting are dead. There is no honor in war.
There is honor in everything that is seen and unseen related to the growth of this country, for good or bad. I served this country for over 30 years and my wife laid wreaths today, I'm proud of my service and of her volunteerism and I am humbled by the service and loss of life by the men and women who also served this great country.
Jannell b you are a lost soul.
Janell b, you are the true American rather than one who serves the military industrial complex that Gen. Eisenhower warned us about. They want a state of perpetual war to exist for this country and the words of John Doe give them support!
may their souls rest in peace.
I feel very lucky to live in America. My job has taken me to many countries and to every state in America (all 50) and I have talked with a lot of people around the world. For those who criticize America I invite you to purchase a plane ticket to 90% of the rest of the world. In all likelyhood you will change your tune pretty quick. God Bless America and all good people around the world.
A beautiful gesture. "The nation which forgets its defenders will be itself forgotten" - a well known quote which needs to remembered.
But those laid there from the Iraq war were not defending us from any threat, just bush wanting to get even with Saddam for the slight of his father. His excuse, lying about WMD! Result 4,483 wasted American lives for nothing in Iraq!
It's refreshing to see that in these days of politically correctness someone still remembers those who have fought and died to preserve the rights we enjoy daily. GREAT JOB !!, Morrill Worcester. We need more Americans like you in this country today! Thank you to all American veterans who have served this great country in which we live!
What of our rights were threatened in Iraq that needed protecting? None!
@cat m,, your IP address was easy to find
Solders - betrayal, betrayal of the young by the old. So many, so many lost for the ineptitude of those who would control us. War is the result of failure. RIP, heroes!
This is the home we have given this countrys fallen heroes. Those who have given their lives for freedom and what they believed was right. It was long overdue that we did not do this sooner. May they rest in peace in the cloaks of valor and honor they have earned.
This was a sight to behold. Awash in a sea of white tombstones, red ribbons, and green wreaths, Arlington National Cemetery looked beautiful and peaceful. Thank you Worcester Wreath Co. and the many volunteers. This is the rightful respect our fallen defenders deserve, unlike the debacle of the story of the remains of our veterans disposed of at the land fill a few days ago. Thanks for caring.
to all of those who have served and continue to serve thank you. I honor you every day and you are in my thoughts.