NAV EX 1st QTR 2018 NavEx 1st Qtr 2018 - Draft 7a | Page 16

WREATHS
Continued from page 15
by Officer In Charge, BMSM Sean McMahon, joined
forces with the Auxiliary personnel to represent the
Coast Guard in the wreath laying ceremony and place
wreaths on veterans’ graves.
“Wreaths” Began With Just One Man
According to the Wreaths Across America website,
the Wreaths Across America story begins with one
man, Morrill Worcester. The website states that,
“Worcester, owner of Worcester Wreath Company
of Harrington, Maine, was a 12 year old paper boy
for the Bangor Daily News when he won a trip to
Washington D.C. His first trip to our nation’s capital
was one he would never forget, and Arlington National
Cemetery made an especially indelible impression
on him. This experience followed him throughout
his life and successful career, reminding him that his
good fortune was due, in large part, to the values of
this nation and the veterans who made the ultimate
sacrifice for their country.”
USCG Aux Photo
Auxiliarist Terry Siler and some family members participate in the
ceremony in Chattanooga, TN.
Spagnol, Division Seven SO-PA. Members who
participated in the Wreaths Across America event at
the National Cemetery of the Alleghenies included
Ed Kramer, Patrick Riley and Spagnol. Joining the
ceremonies were two members of The Marine Safety
Unit (MSU) located in Bridgeville, PA. The MSUnit was
represented by LCDR Fran Smith, the unit’s executive
officer and Marine Science Technician, Second Class
(MST 2) Charles Morris, Spagnol reported.
The Mission Takes Shape
“In 1992, Worcester Wreath found themselves with
a surplus of wreaths nearing the end of the holiday
season. Remembering his boyhood experience at
Arlington, Worcester realized he had an opportunity
to honor our country’s veterans. With the aid of
Maine Senator Olympia Snowe, arrangements were
USCG Aux Photo
Active Duty and Auxiliary Pitch In
Auxiliary members and the crew of the USCGC
Ouachita pitched in to help place more than 8,000
wreaths at the Chattanooga National Cemetery. The
cemetery contains graves dating back to the Civil
War. The Auxiliary was represented by Terry Siler,
Shawn Fox, David Cox from Flotilla 16-02 and Rudy
Achata from flotilla 16-07. The Ouachita crew led
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Auxiliarists from Pennsylvania participate in Wreath ceremony at
the National Cemetery of the Alleghenies, near Pittsburgh.
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