AUBURN — Dozens of residents lined the walkway leading into the gymnasium at Edward Little High School on Sunday evening.

Their candles cast a beacon for Wreaths Across America, a convoy of seven semi-trucks and more than 50 volunteers heading to the
nation’s capital this week to honor America’s fallen heroes.

“Somewhere in our healing, we experience moments of panic that our sons and daughters will be forgotten,” said Ruth Stonesifer, national president of American Gold Star Mothers Inc., one of several guest speakers. 

Stonesifer said Wreaths Across America carries great meaning for families across the country who have lost a loved one serving in the military. The Pennsylvania mother said that it took her family two years after her son’s death to even place a marker at Arlington National Cemetery. Now, she makes the trek there annually to help lay wreaths on the graves.

Now in it’s 18th year, Wreaths Across America continues to grow as more and more companies and volunteers join the mission started by Morrill Worcester, owner of Worcester Wreaths in Wilton. The program places more than 100,000 Christmas wreaths on headstones at Arlington National Cemetery, as well as more than 300 cemeteries across the country, Puerto Rico and overseas.

“As these wreaths are hauled south, there are others preparing for their next mission,” said Sfc. John Knoblach, speaking of the recent deployment of Maine’s 133rd Engineer Battalion. “Over 100 of Maine’s finest will be traveling the same roads — probably even passing the convoy — on the way to their way to their mobilization site.” 

What started in 1992 with Morrill’s donation of 5,000 wreaths has grown over the years to 15,000 wreaths from the Maine company alone.

The wreaths were made at Worcester Wreath Co.’s four northeast plants. The company ships more than 500,000 wreaths and other holiday greenery, many of which are sold through L.L. Bean.

Worcester’s donations began in 1992 after he found himself with an extra 5,000 wreaths in mid-December — too late to bring them to market. His mind turned to Arlington National Cemetery and the impression made by rows and rows of stark white markers on his 12-year-old mind during a childhood trip to Washington. The image had stuck with him all those years, and he came up with the idea of a wreath-laying ceremony.

“We are here tonight because of the heart of a 12-year-old boy who was deeply touched when he discovered the final resting place of America’s fallen heroes,” Knoblach said. “Tonight we gather together so that a new generation of young people will visit those places and they will find that same profound sense of gratitude.”

In addition to several speakers, the event also featured members of area military groups, police departments, fire departments, veterans organizations and members of the Civil Air Patrol. Dozens of young people attended the event with their families.

“They’re really important because they died for our country and that means a lot to us,” said 8-year-old Katelyn Dube, who attended Sunday’s ceremony with several members of Girl Scout Troop 2219 from Livermore Falls.

The convoy of trucks will be accompanied by members of the Patriot Guard Riders, a national group of motorcyclists that works to recognize veterans. Depending on the weather, between 50 and 200 Patriot Guard members are expected to accompany the wreath-filled truck on motorcycles and in cars along the entire 770-mile journey from Maine to the gates of Arlington National Cemetery in Virginia.

“It’s important to recognize and honor our fallen veterans,” said Michael Edgecomb, state captain of the Maine Patriot Guard Riders. “It’s something that not everyone does. We all get caught up in the Christmas rush and it’s good to take a few hours off to honor our fallen heroes.”

Bunny O’Leary, left, of Norway laughs with supporters while getting one of four wreaths ready for the Wreaths Across America ceremony at Edward Little High School on Sunday.

Ben Knoblach, 12, of Auburn and his sister Sarah, 11, honor the flag during the posting of the Color Guards during the Wreaths Across America ceremony at Edward Little High School on Sunday.