DELAWARE- The country’s longest veterans’ parade – Wreaths Across America’s annual “Escort to Arlington” made its way through the First State today.
The convoy, comprising approximately 15 tractor trailers each carrying 4,000 wreaths, has nearly completed its journey from Maine to the Arlington National Cemetery.
Thursday's itinerary included multiple stops throughout the region.
Commencing the day's proceedings was a noontime event held at Lorewood Grove Elementary in Middletown, Del. Following this, the convoy passed the Dover Air Force Base and Milford, finally moving to the Harrington Fire Company, where the WAA Mobile Education Exhibit was open to the public for the afternoon.
Doug Poore, the curator of the Greater Harrington Historical Society, remarked, "This is the first year they have stopped here, and we are just thrilled they asked. I said yes in about a nanosecond because it's awesome for our community. It is awesome for our veterans."
Inside Harrington's Fire Company, a touching ceremony gathered veterans, volunteers, and enthusiastic supporters, among them Vietnam veteran Clyde Bobar. "I've been waiting two months for this day; I'm very excited," Bobar shared, emphasizing Wreaths Across America's mission to honor and educate about the sacrifices made by service members.
Saturday's schedule includes numerous wreath-laying ceremonies organized by the historical society at noon across various sites. These sites include: Barratt’s Chapel Cemetery in Frederica, Hollywood Cemetery in Harrington, Griffiths Chapel Cemetery in Williamsville, Hopkins Cemetery in Felton, Mount Olive Cemetery in Sandtown, Odd Fellows Cemetery in Camden, Milford Community Cemetery, Williamsville Cemetery, and Trinity Methodist Church Cemetery in Bridgeville.
The convoy's journey across Delmarva serves as a poignant tribute, commemorating the sacrifices of veterans and fostering a sense of remembrance within the community.
In Delaware alone, the placement of more than 3,000 wreaths is anticipated this Saturday. Nationwide, the initiative seeks to place over 2 million wreaths.