Because I am preparing to head off for Arlington myself, this copy will be a short edition of the Wreaths Across America Newsletter. But with all the exciting events over the last several days, I wanted to get a copy out to everyone prior to the wreath-laying ceremonies on the 14th!

The wreaths are on their way to Arlington and across the Country, so let's recap this exciting week that will culminate in wreath-laying ceremonies at over 200 locations in all 50 States and Puerto Rico.

On Sunday, December 10th - over 50 volunteers from the local veterans organizations, Civil Air Patrol squadrons and the local community gathered at Worcester Wreath Company in Harrington to complete prepartions for the wreaths being sent to Arlington.

Earlier in the week, wreaths were prepared for shipment across the Country to over 200 locations participating in the Wreaths Across America program.

It seems everyone was looking to capture images and the spirit of the volunteers, that will be matched with coverage from events on the 14th. Keep an eye out on your nightly news on the evening of the 14th!

After the truck was loaded, member of the Patriot Guard Riders - a patriotic motor club led an escort of the wreaths out of Harrington and down Route 1.

With 65,000 members nationally, the Patriot Guard escort will continue with the wreaths all the way into Washington D.C. Thursday morning - even riding their motor cycles in the winter weather.

To learn more about the Escort provided by the Patriot Guard click here.

The following news articles also arrived over the last week, helping to broaden awareness about the great sacrifices made by our fighting men and women:

'Because I want people to remember' Column by Bill Nemitz of the Portland Press Herald

"Because," Worcester said, "I want people to remember that kid who went over a hedgerow in France right into machine gun fire." As he spoke, the sounds of a company in full production echoed outside his plywood-walled conference room. Next door, Wayne Merritt sat at his computer, clicking out responses to the 150 e-mails that pour in daily from veterans, their families and others who just want to say thank you. The scent of freshly cut evergreens filled the air. "The average guy who got killed in World War II was 21 years old. He never got the opportunity to do what we do," Worcester said. " But he was very instrumental in making it all happen."

With these words, Bill Nemitz captures the essence of what makes the annual wreath-laying so special. Read more.

Randy Salas of the Star Tribune in Minneapolis-St. Paul, MN cuts thru the chafe of information on the web and shares the latest of what's cool and interesting for his readers. Here's his take on Wreaths Across America.

"In the past, Web Search has highlighted sites devoted to supporting U.S. troops serving overseas. But for Veterans Day, which is observed Saturday, here's a look at a remarkable online campaign to honor U.S. service members who are no longer with us. Its mission: to lay wreaths on tombstones at Arlington National Cemetery and other resting places for veterans across the country." Read more.

Stay tuned for a recap of events from around the Country. We are looking forward to sharing news and events from all the participating locations - with photos and individual impressions that we can add to the website.

God bless and Happy Holidays to all.

See you in Arlington if you are able to attend and please say hello if you get a chance!