A Convoy Full of Christmas and Respect for Veterans Gets Ready to Roll

The goosebumps I get have nothing to do at all with the chilly Maine temperatures this time of year and every thing to do with the home-grown spirit of Christmas, and the sense of patriotism and commitment to our U.S. servicemen and women.

And so it begins this weekend in Washington County with the laying of wreaths on both sides of the U.S. border Saturday in Calais by the Gold Star Mothers and their Canadian counterparts, Silver Cross Families.

One man participating this year in the Wreaths Across America convoy is Captain Rick Gammon with the Bangor Squadron of the Civil Air Patrol (CAP).

Gammon, among other things during the journey, will be responsible for picking up the 14 CAP Cadets from Maine who will be participating in the convoy to Arlington this year. Gammon says 30 cadets applied for the trip but only 14 were selected.

What started as Morrill Worcester's desire to share a few left over decorated Christmas wreaths from Maine has blossomed into a non-profit organization and nationally recognized program.

Earlier this year, Morrill and Karen Worcester made national headlines when they relocated the Perpetual Christmas Tree from the town of Bar Harbor to Columbia Falls.

It's certain they'll be making headlines again as the Wreaths Across America convoy gets underway this weekend with several planned stops and celebrations on its way to Virginia.

You can find out more about the entire schedule of events on their website.