Arlington National Cemetery will be receiving 100,000 wreaths from Worcester Wreath Co., a company owned by Morrill Worcester who wanted to show his thanks and appreciation to the country’s veterans.
The wreath-laying ceremony originated 20 years ago when Worcester had an extra 5,000 wreaths in December, and he decided to donate them to the cemetery he visited as a child, Arlington National Cemetery, according to The Associated Press.
Worcester continued the tradition every year, donating more and more wreaths and holding commemorative ceremonies at veteran cemeteries.
“We haven't really tried to push it; it's really just grown on its own," Worcester said, The Associated Press reports. "We have a hard time keeping up with it."
Over time, Worcester received thousands of emails from people across the country wanting to donate and pay their respect to military veterans. As a result, Worcester and his wife started Wreaths Across America, a nonprofit organization that accepts donations and holds hundreds of wreath-laying ceremonies to honor those who served in the military.
"It's an amazing expression of honoring the spirit of service," said Joanne Patton, the widow of Maj. Gen. George S. Patton IV, who is buried in Arlington, according to The Associated Press.
