Discover the Surprising Details of the Nation’s Longest Veterans Parade Journey
Residents in Gardner welcomed the Wreaths Across America convoy, marking a special stop on its 737-mile journey to honor veterans and Gold Star families.
Gardner, Massachusetts, Wreaths Across America, Veterans, Gold Star Families
Gardner: On a chilly Monday, folks in Gardner bundled up and braved the snow to greet the Wreaths Across America convoy. This event is a big deal, as it’s the longest veterans parade in the nation.
The convoy, with over 53 vehicles, traveled a whopping 737 miles from Maine to Arlington National Cemetery. They stopped at Mount Wachusett Community College for a special ceremony, which included speakers, a dinner, and wreath presentations to local veterans and Gold Star families.
This visit was particularly special since it was the first time the convoy has been near greater Gardner since 2018. Back then, they visited Monty Tech Regional High School in Fitchburg.
Wreaths Across America started back in 1992 when Morrill Worcester, who owned a wreath company in Maine, began donating surplus wreaths to Arlington National Cemetery. What began as a small gesture turned into a nationwide movement after a photo of snow-covered wreaths went viral in 2005.
By 2022, the organization and its volunteers had placed over 2.7 million wreaths on veterans’ headstones across more than 3,700 locations in all 50 states and beyond. It’s a heartwarming tradition that continues to grow.