Wreaths Across America is gearing up for it's annual Escort To Arlington and kicks it off next weekend with a family-friendly event.

The Escort will start heading toward Washington D.C. on Sunday, December 11th. Along the way, it will stop at schools to educate children about the organization's mission. And that mission is to 'Remember our fallen soldiers, Honor those who serve, and Teach children the value of freedom.' Also along the way, the escort caravan stops at veterans' cemeteries, finally ending up at Arlington National Cemetery, where volunteers will lay as many wreaths on soldiers' graves as they can manage.

This year, the day before the trek begins, a day of family fun activities is planned! It starts at West Quoddy Head State Park with a sunrise ceremony, then moves to Calais for the HART ceremony with Canadian Silver Star and American Gold Star families.

At noon, families are invited to a Touch-A-Truck event at Narraguagus High School in Harrington. Kids of all ages can get up close and personal with those wreath-laden trucks and chat with the drivers about what it's like to be a part of something so special. And perhaps the most special part of the whole day is that attendees can make a remembrance wreath and help pack it for the journey south. How amazing it would be to know that the wreath you made will be laid on the grave of a soldier who served his or her country proudly. In addition, kids will be encouraged to write a message on some of the wreath boxes and decorate them for the trip!

Narraguagus High School will be selling concessions for lunch, there will be live music during the afternoon, and it all wraps up with fireworks at 4:30! For more information on the organization and how you can get involved, log onto the website for Wreaths Across America. 

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