It is the longest veterans parade in the country

The “longest veterans parade” in the country makes a stop in the Chair City.

The “Wreaths Across America” convoy, which includes 53 vehicles completing a 737-mile trek from Maine to Arlington National Cemetery, will arrive at Mount Wachusett Community College on Monday, December 9th.

Hundreds of veterans, Gold Star families and law enforcement officers will participate in the annual escort to deliver thousands of fresh balm wreaths on National Wreaths Across America Day, Dec. 14, to honor the nation’s fallen heroes buried at Arlington.

Daniel Colburn, who has volunteered with the organization for three years, said the group’s mission is to remember the fallen, honor their sacrifice and teach the next generation the value of protecting the nation.

“I became involved with Wreaths Across America because I cannot serve in our military, and I believe that everyone in the community in which they live has a civic duty, so I see service on the home front as meaningful.” said Colburn, who lives in New Hampshire. “In addition, my father is a disabled Vietnam veteran who served in the U.S. Navy, and my great-uncle and great-aunt are buried at Arlington National Cemetery.”

The MWCC visit marks the first time the Wreaths Across America convoy made a stop near the greater Gardner area since 2018, when the convoy visited Monty Tech Regional High School in Fitchburg.

Wreaths Across America was founded in Maine in 1992

The non-profit organization Wreaths Across America was founded in 1992 by businessman Morrill Worcester, owner of the Worcester Wreath Co. in Harrington, Maine. Inspired by a trip he took to Arlington National Cemetery as a boy, Worcester began donating his company’s surplus wreaths to the cemetery, a small gesture that continued quietly until 2005, when a photo of some snow-covered wreaths went viral and received national attention excited the tradition.

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As of 2022, the group and its national network of volunteers, including many private truckers, have placed more than 2.7 million sponsored wreaths of veterans on headstones at over 3,700 locations in all 50 states and beyond.

Details about the event at MWCC

The ceremony at MWCC, which is free and open to the public, begins at 5:30 p.m. with the presentation of a Colored Guard by the Gardner VFW, followed by a moment of silence. The hour-long program includes a Gardner High School student singing the national anthem, several speakers and ten Monty Tech ROTC students presenting wreaths to nine local veterans and many Gold Star families.

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“We are very pleased that the convoy is coming to Gardner. “It’s a beautiful way to honor and show appreciation for our veterans and a great way for us to start the holiday season,” said Stephanie Marchetti, executive director of Montachusett Veterans Outreach Center in Gardner.

Three MVOC employees will receive wreaths on behalf of their military branches at the ceremony, according to Marchetti: Peer Counselor Christopher Shaddock will represent the Army, Counselor Dr. Bob Stair will represent the Air Force and Garrett Foley, MVOC’s Unity House program manager, will represent the Marine Corps, she said.

“I am touched that our employees were asked to take part in this event and I can’t wait to see the convoy,” Marchetti added.

Colburn said nearly 40 wreaths would arrive about an hour before the convoy and would be displayed at the college so the public would have a chance to view them and take photos. Following the program, there will be a dinner for convoy drivers and family members, who will receive a wreath at the event.

“The wreaths across America stopping at Mount Wachusett Community College allow the city and surrounding communities to come together to honor local veterans and Gold Star families and give thanks for their service,” Colburn said.

This article originally appeared on Gardner News: Wreaths across America make a stop at Mount Wachusett Community College