Day 43: Wandering and Wreaths Across America

Total Miles - 70

We headed out with no particular vision of where we would end up but wandered through the picturesque seaport town of Cutler. It was grey and raining a good portion of the day and makes the pictures look misty but I hope you enjoy. 


As we were rounding the point we saw some very interesting equipment overlooking the cemetery (I guess they don't mind). There are also a lot of "how to evacuate" signs... hmmmm. 

Looking at the map I noticed we were not far away from the "Wreaths Across America" headquarters.  Since I had the opportunity to interview Karen Worcester a few times on my retired radio show I wanted to see where they do all this great work. So off to Columbia Falls, ME we went. 

What a gracious greeting we received. Even though they were holding a class for  volunteers there they made time to give us a tour of things most important to them. The amphitheater that was built to rededicate the Christmas tree in it's new home with Lea Greenwood as the star performer. Since that event Charlie Daniels and others have come to perform at special events to honor our fallen hero's. 

Then off to the Balsam Valley where those dog tags are hung in remembrance of those no longer with us. It is what the Chapel was built for, and the Gold Star Families Memorial and the Patriot Guard Riders Memorial and the list goes on... It's all about Remembrance.

We learned about "tippings" and how to make the trees produce more over the years. Just for the record, tippings are what the wreaths are eventually made from that go to all the National Cemeteries in the country. Speaking of national cemeteries, there is an amazing piece of land with a hand carved eagle on it waiting to be utilized as one of Maines National Cemeteries, that was donated by the Worcester's, again in remembrance. 

This visit and tour was a great education and with our tour guide, Kelly Hinkle, his wealth of historical knowledge and his great respect for his environment it made our day complete. I hope you all go out and donate a wreath this year to our fallen hero's. It seems that the more that are donated, the more that are needed... also go out to your local National Cemetery on December 15, 2018 and call or go to Wreaths Across America.Org to find out how you can volunteer to lay wreaths there too. 

REMEMBER - our fallen US Veterans

HONOR - those who serve

TEACH - your children the value of freedom