Wreaths Across America set at Legislative Hall Dec. 9

The Delaware General Assembly will host Wreaths Across America at 11:30 a.m., Monday, Dec. 9, at 11:30 a.m. on the east side of Legislative Hall, Dover.

This fifth-annual event in the state capital will be part of a national commemoration. Each December on National Wreaths Across America Day, the mission to Remember, Honor and Teach is carried out by wreath-laying ceremonies at Arlington National Cemetery, as well as at more than 1,600 additional locations in all 50 U.S. states, at sea and abroad.

The ceremonies focus on the importance of remembering fallen heroes, honoring those who serve, and teaching children about the sacrifices made by veterans and their families to preserve Americans’ freedoms. The originator of the program was Morrill Worcester, owner of a wreath-making company in Maine who, in 1991, donated and delivered wreaths to Arlington National Cemetery to be placed on the graves of the fallen.

Volunteers conduct the ceremonies each year in their state capitals.

"The General Assembly is pleased to be working together with the Delaware National Guard, Dover Air Force Base, and our veteran community on this kickoff to Wreaths Across America,” said Mark Cutrona, director of the Legislative Council’s Division of Research and event coordinator.

This year's event will include Gov. John Carney, Adj. Gen. Michael Berry of the Delaware National Guard, and Dover AFB Col. Michael Peeler. Other participants will include the Commission of Veterans Affairs, state and local elected officials, area veterans and families of all generations, and children from Holy Cross Elementary School. Dave Skocik, president of the Delaware Veterans Coalition, will again emcee the ceremony.

Wreaths will be laid at seven locations throughout the capital by military and civilian officials accompanied by children.

“We hope all Delawareans will join us for this event,” said Cutrona.