Wreaths Across America is a national effort to recognize the thousands of veterans who have made the ultimate sacrifice in the service of our country and also to recognize those who served and are now buried in local or national veterans’ cemeteries.

Dec. 15, 2007 saw members of the Fourth Degree of the Massachusetts Knights of Columbus gathered at the National Cemetery in Bourne. The Knights placed 900 ribbon-decorated wreaths on the graves at Bourne.

According to the national mission’s Web site the “Wreaths Across America story began over 15 years ago when Worcester Wreath Company (a for-profit commercial business from Harrington, Maine) began a tradition of placing wreaths on the headstones of our Nation’s fallen heroes at Arlington National Cemetery during the holidays.

Over that period of time, Worcester Wreath has donated 90,000 wreaths which were placed by volunteers in a wreath-laying ceremony each December. But as word spread, the mission to Remember; Honor; and Teach about the sacrifices made by our veterans has captured the hearts and minds of many communities across the Country.

In December 2007, 286 participating locations hosted Wreaths Across America ceremonies overseeing the placement of 32,553 wreaths on the headstones of those who served and sacrificed for our freedoms.”

The Fourth Degree of Massachusetts wants to expand its participation in this worthy endeavor. This Memorial Day weekend reminds us of all our own beloved dead and calls to mind especially the ones who served to protect and promote our national values and goals.

For more information about the program go to the Web site: www.WreathsAcrossAmerica.org