A shared cultural experience amplified by a photograph that went viral on the internet in 2005 continues to gain traction as people honor and remember American veterans.
The Wreaths Across America annual wreath escort touched down in Holmdel on Dec. 12 as thousands of community members gathered at the New Jersey Vietnam Veterans’ Memorial to honor individuals who have served in the military.
Wreaths Across America – an annual tour that makes stops to distribute remembrance wreaths to fallen veterans during the holiday season – began on Dec. 9 in Harrington, Maine.
The convoy of 12 tractor-trailers, motorcycles, law enforcement vehicles and VIP buses made stops on the east coast as the tour headed for its final destination at Arlington National Cemetery in Virginia.
Arlington National Cemetery is a United States military cemetery where more than 400,000 military members are buried.
On Dec. 12, during a stop on the convoy’s route to Virginia, seven remembrance wreaths were placed at the New Jersey Vietnam Veterans’ Memorial to represent each of the seven branches of the military. An additional 17 wreaths were presented to Gold Star families, the relatives of military members who died in combat.
In an interview after the event, Susan Patten, media content specialist for Wreaths Across America, said although the annual event has its roots in humble beginnings, it took more than 10 years for the grassroots initiative to gain international recognition.
In 2005, Patten said, an image of a snow covered cemetery with wreaths placed on gravestones went viral on the internet. Once the image began to navigate the internet, individuals “were moved by the image they saw and wanted to be involved,” she said.
At present, Patten said, there are 1,640 international locations that take part in the placement of remembrance wreaths on the graves of military men and women. This year, nearly 60,000 wreaths were distributed on the annual wreath escort.
Patten described the convoy of vehicles as “a life-changing and healing experience” for Blue Star and Gold Star families who are invited to travel on VIP buses during the annual tour.
Blue Star families have a relative serving in the armed forces during war or hostilities.
“Wreaths Across America’s annual pilgrimage from Harrington, Maine, to Arlington National Cemetery has become known as the world’s largest veterans’ parade, stopping at schools, monuments, veterans’ homes and communities all along the way to remind people how important it is to remember, honor and teach,” the organization’s website states.