DAR taking orders for Wreaths Across America

The Tucumcari chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution again is taking orders for Wreaths Across America.

Christmas wreaths will be placed on the graves of a specific veteran or any veteran at Tucumcari Memorial Park cemetery on Dec. 14.

The cost is $17 per wreath. To order, call (575) 403-6959 or mail a check, payable to Tucumcari Chapter DAR, to Susan Taylor, 2202 S. Third St., Tucumcari, NM 88401. Phone or mail orders are due by Nov. 29.

The idea for Wreaths Across America began in 1992 when Morrill Worcester, who owned Worcester Wreath Co., in Harrington, Maine, had a surplus of wreaths near the end of the holiday season.

Arrangements were made for the wreaths to be placed at Arlington National Cemetery in one of its older sections that had been receiving fewer visitors during each passing year.

This ceremony has grown each year. In 2007, the Worcester family, along with individuals and other groups, formed Wreaths Across America, a federally recognized nonprofit organization, to continue the effort.

Wreaths Across America has laid more than 2 million memorial wreaths at more than 4,000 locations across the U.S.