WHEREAS, in 1992, Morrill Worcester, of Maine, began the tradition of laying wreaths at Arlington National Cemetery each holiday season, to honor each branch of the military, service men and women; and
WHEREAS, in 2007, the Worcester family, along with veterans, and other groups and individuals who had helped with their annual Christmas wreath ceremony in Arlington, formed Wreaths Across America, to continue and expand the effort; and
WHEREAS, on December 13, 2008, the US Congress unanimously voted and declared “Wreaths Across America Day” to be celebrated annually; and
WHEREAS, the mission of Wreaths Across America is to remember the fallen, honor those who serve, and teach the next generation about the value of freedom; and
WHEREAS, today the ceremony is celebrated on the second or third Saturday of December and encompasses more than 2,500 locations in all 50 states, including North Carolina, honoring veterans from as far back as the revolutionary war; and
WHEREAS, Saturday, December 18th, 2021 has been designated by Wreaths Across America organization as the date for these ceremonies to occur;
NOW, THEREFORE, I, ROY COOPER, Governor of the State of North Carolina, do hereby proclaim December 18, 2021, as “NATIONAL WREATHS ACROSS AMERICA DAY” in North Carolina, and commend its observance to all citizens.