Maine Wreath Company Salutes Veterans

Atlanta, GA (PRWeb) December 10, 2006 -- Atlanta-based Family Business Institute has selected the Worcester Wreath Company for special recognition as part of the organization's Family Business Profile section on their web site, according to Don Schwerzler, founder of the Family Business Institute.

Schwerzler said the selection was special since the generosity of the founder of the Worcester Wreath Company, Morrill Worcester, touches the hearts of so many veterans and their families. It is a reminder to the entire nation about the sacrifices made by the men and women who have served or continue to serve in our military organizations.

Founded in 1971, Worcester Wreath Company has become the world's largest producer of holiday balsam products and for 25 years a top vendor/supplier to LL Bean. Morrill's son, Michael, serves as general manager at the company, which this year will produce over 500,000 wreaths.

In December of 1992, Worcester Wreath Company found itself with a large overstock of Christmas wreaths and no time left in the season to market them. After some consideration about what to do with all those beautiful wreaths, Morrill hit on an idea. With support from Maine Senator Olympia Snowe, he made contact with Arlington National Cemetery and received permission to place the wreaths at gravesites of fallen soldiers. Fifteen years and more than 60,000 wreaths later, the placement of Christmas wreaths at Arlington has become a highly anticipated annual event that involves many people, companies, schools and youth organizations. Blue Bird Ranch, a Jonesboro, Maine trucking company, has transported wreaths every year without charge, and many of their employees have donated time and effort to the cause. Volunteers from the Maine State Society have been involved every year, and school teachers have led field trips for their students to participate.

"Rest easy, sleep well my brothers.
Know the line has held, your job is done.
Rest easy, sleep well.
Others have taken up where you fell, the line has held.
Peace, peace, and farewell..."

Arlington National Cemetary

In recent years, the Civil Air Patrol has become a very active participant in the annual event. CAP, a national youth organization with 65,000 members, provides help with the laying of wreaths at Arlington and student groups organize fundraising events throughout the year to make the trip possible. The Civil Air Patrol, which operates 52 wings in all 50 states, Puerto Rico and the District of Columbia, is partnering with Worcester Wreath Company to expand the program to other cemeteries across the nation. In 2006, "Wreaths Across America" hopes to involve Civil Air Patrol cadets from all 52 wings in special ceremonies at each of over 230 state and national cemeteries and veterans monuments. Cadets provide muscle and helping hands during the events and, like Morrill Worcester did in 1963, they learn firsthand about the sacrifices made by our nation's veterans.

Schwerzler, who began his interest in aviation as a cadet in the CAP noted that two of Morrill Worcester's sons also were CAP members. "The CAP is a great organization but greatly under recognized," noted Schwerzler, who serves on the board of Air Show Advertising. Air Show Advertising partners with CAP in sponsor branding strategy for air shows that also helps the youth organization in its recruitment strategies.

To read the full Family Business Profile about Morrill Worcester and the Worcester Wreath Company, visit the Family Business Experts web site and click on the Family Business Profile section.

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