The Wreaths Across America convoy made a stop at Wiscasset Speedway Sunday evening on the way to Arlington National Cemetery. The nonprofit started in 1992 and honors veterans by placing wreaths at graves in Arlington and at more than 3,000 memorials and cemeteries across the country. The convoy left Columbia Falls Saturday and is making its way toward Arlington to be there for Saturday, Dec. 18 when volunteers will help lay the tens of thousands of wreaths. 

Sunday’s stop included a lap around the track and a special welcome driving under an arch of ladder trucks. About 100 people gathered to see the trucks, a record 30 of them this year, according to organizers. After the convoy came to a stop on the track, a short program began with Wiscasset Speedway host Ken Minott. Wiscasset Police Department Chaplin Nathan Willhoite gave an opening prayer and singer Camille K, from Philadelphia, performed the national anthem. Town Manager Dennis Simmons spoke on behalf of the town. He said, “It is an honor and privilege to welcome the Wreaths Across America convoy to our wonderful town as they pass along their journey to Arlington National Cemetery, a journey to honor and remember those who served and fought for the freedoms we are enjoying here today ... Mr. Worcester (Wreaths’ founder) planted a seed that would grow into the forest that is Wreaths Across America today, an organization that not only places thousands of wreaths at this special time of the year on veterans’ graves in all 50 states and several countries abroad, but offers programs throughout the year to give people the opportunity to say thank you to veterans for their service.”

Simmons told Wiscasset Newspaper that although presenters unfortunately had to cut down their remarks to help the convoy get back on schedule, he had planned to mention Wiscasset Civil War hero and Medal of Honor recipient, U.S. Army Brevet Brigadier General Joseph Sewall Smith. Simmons said Smith is buried in Arlington and “It is certain that General Smith will have a wreath placed upon his grave.” 

The ceremony also included remarks from National President of American Gold Star Mothers Jo Ann Maitland and President Emeritus of Gold Start Wives of America Nancy Menagh. The ceremony concluded with a truck blessing from Wiscasset Fire Department Chaplin Steve Wallace as well as the American Legion District 7 Firing Squad and “Taps” played by Tom Stoner.