Released: December 15, 2023
Delaware County Council Vice Chair Elaine Paul Schaefer was honored to participate in the 10th Annual “Wreaths Across America’s Escort to Arlington” on December 14 at the Delaware County Veterans Memorial in Newtown Square.
Making its only stop in Pennsylvania, the convoy of over a dozen trucks and more than 50 buses, cars, vans, and motorcycles was greeted by hundreds of people, including Gold Star Families, Blue Star Families, volunteers, and Veterans representing many eras, as well as local Veteran Service Organizations including the VFW, American Legion, VFW Auxiliary, and the American Legion Auxiliary.
Members of the Patriot Guard Riders and Patriot Riders, and law enforcement from departments across many states along the route, provided escort to ensure a safe transport.
The convoy is scheduled to arrive at Arlington National Cemetery on Saturday, where wreaths will be placed throughout the cemetery, including at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.
The wreaths’ journey to Arlington has become a tradition, allowing members of the community along the route to share in the emotional and educational experience as the convoy passes through their hometown.
Students from several area schools, including Interboro, Penncrest, and Springfield High Schools and St. Anastasia, Radnor, and Springton Lakes Middle Schools attended the ceremony, many holding hand-made signs thanking Veterans and honoring fallen heroes for their service and their sacrifice.
The organization’s yearlong mission — Remember the fallen, Honor those that serve, Teach the next generation the value of freedom — is carried out, in part, by coordinating wreath-laying ceremonies in December at Arlington and at thousands of participating locations across the United States; and through a multi-media trailer to educate students and visitors of all ages.
Karen Worcester, the Executive Director of Wreaths Across America and wife of Morrill Worcester, the owner of Worcester Wreath Company who initiated Wreaths Across America in 1992, emphasized the significance of educating younger generations. By engaging youth in this tradition, Wreaths Across America aims to foster a deeper understanding and respect for those who have served our nation, ensuring that their contributions and sacrifices are never forgotten and are carried forward by future generations.
This year alone, Wreaths Across America expects to place over 2 million wreaths on Veteran’s graves throughout the country.
Learn more about Wreaths Across America at www.wreathsacrossamerica.org.