Governor Proclaims National Wreaths Across America Day 2023

WHEREAS, in 1992, Morrill Worcester began the tradition of laying wreaths at Arlington National Cemetery each holiday season to honor servicemen and women in each branch of the military, including those still Missing in Action and Prisoners of War; and

WHEREAS, in 2007, the Worcester family, along with veterans, other service groups, and individuals, continued and expanded their annual Christmas wreath ceremony in Arlington and formed Wreaths Across America; and

WHEREAS, on December 13, 2008, the United States 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 served, and teach the next generation about the value of freedom; and

WHEREAS, today, the ceremony is celebrated each year on a mid-December Saturday at more than 3,400 locations in all 50 states, including North Carolina, at sea, and abroad to honor veterans from as far back as the Revolutionary War;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, ROY COOPER, Governor of the State of North Carolina, do hereby proclaim December 16, 2023, as “NATIONAL WREATHS ACROSS AMERICA DAY” in North Carolina, and commend its observance to all citizens.