My boys, our Boy Scout troop #159 and I are honoring those who gave their lives in the line of duty on National Wreaths Across America Day.

Edith T. Nowels, left at podium, of Brielle stands next to a life-size cut-out of her brother, Medal of Honor Recipient U.S.Army Cpl. Horace Marvin Thorne, as she praises his action in World War II during the Battle of the Bulge, during a Wreaths Across America ceremony on Ellis Island
Edith T. Nowels, left at podium, of Brielle stands next to a life-size cut-out of her brother, Medal of Honor Recipient U.S.Army Cpl. Horace Marvin Thorne, as she praises his action in World War II during the Battle of the Bulge, during a Wreaths Across America ceremony on Ellis Island (AP Photo/Mel Evans)
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The day's message is to "Remember, Honor, Teach"  as we join hundreds in laying "remembrance wreaths" at cemeteries across New Jersey and around the country including Arlington National Cemetery where the first ceremony took place in 1992.

We'll be at the First Presbyterian Church Cemetery & United Methodist Church Cemetery in Succasunna to remember 560 veterans have been laid to rest.

Wreaths Across America was started by  Morrill Worcester, owner of the Worcester Wreath Company in Maine when he arranged with U.S. Senator Olympia Snow to lay one of his extra  wreaths at Arlington National Cemetery. After a picture of the ceremony went viral on the internet in 2005, the program grew to all 50 states and many wreath makers across the country donating their product.

The purpose of the day, according to its organizers, is to demonstrate the importance of remembering our fallen heroes, honoring those who serve, and teaching our children about the sacrifices made by veterans and their families to preserve our freedoms.

 

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