Local woman takes wreaths across America

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ON THEIR WAY — Traveling with the convoy for Wreaths Across America back in December were, from left, Cory Shouse, Lorna and Scott Harris of Patten. Shouse was the 1st Sgt. for Harris’ son, Dustin, who died in the line of duty.
By Lorna Harris
Special to the Pioneer Times
    Each December, a convoy embarks on an amazing journey from Maine to Arlington. The escort’s mission is to remember, honor, teach. That is exactly what Morrill and Karen Worcester have made their business!
    Wreaths Across America is dedicated to never forget and to always remember our fallen, honor all those who serve and to teach our children the price of freedom sacrificed by veterans of all wars and their families by laying wreaths on the graves throughout the country and at Arlington National Cemetery.
    This is exactly what was fulfilled beyond expectation on an amazing week’s journey starting in downeast Maine and ending in Arlington, Va. Ceremonies were held on stops along the way that always included presentations of our nation’s colors, national anthem, flag raisings, roll calls of our service members, heartfelt acceptance of wreaths by veterans and their families, to the final call for “Taps.”
    On the journey to Arlington, the convoy, lead by the Worcesters, included Gold Star mothers, Gold Star fathers, Gold Star wives, our First Lady, the Civil Air Patrol, Sons and Daughters of the American Revolution, Maine State Police and other law enforcement, all escorted by the Patriot Guard Riders who most surely secured our safety throughout the 800 mile plus journey.
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SOMBER VIEW — Wreaths from around the nation made their way to Arlington National Cemetery to honor those who gave their lives for our country.
    History lessons were taught at schools that were hosts for the convoy from absorbing the first-hand knowledge experienced by war veterans such as Sir Stanley A. Wojtusik, a POW survivor of the Battle of the Bulge in WWII, as he spoke of how he risked his life on that Christmas by stealing a box of cookies from a German soldier that was sent by his wife as a present and handed one cookie to each of his fellow POWs, giving them their only “meal” so to speak that they had in days, if not weeks. Ms. Edith T. Nowels, Gold Star sister who lost her brother Medal of Honor recipient (US military’s highest decoration awarded) Cpl. Horace “Bud” Thorne, dedicates her life by honoring him and his courageous dedication to being an Army soldier also in the Battle of the Bulge.
    We heard stories from Pearl Harbor survivor Chief Petty Officer Robert Coles, as he recounted the attack made on Dec. 7, 1941, which lasted one hour and 50 minutes and sunk 19 ships, destroyed 300 aircraft and resulted in 2,403 lives lost. These are just a handful of the awe-inspiring experiences each of us on the way encountered. Life-changing opportunities arose not only because we had the chance to sit in chapels at West Point and Valley Forge Military Academy, or by having the once-in-a-lifetime experience to meet the daughter-in-law of history’s own General George S. Patton.
    Impacts most achieved on this journey were through the friendships made by meeting total strangers that gave us back – faith, trust and most of all love that was shone from a simple handshake, a private salute or from a humbling hug thanking us for our beloved fallen’s sacrifice made for their country. Such tremendous gratitude was shone to all of those who stand ready to defend this country with their own lives.
    Progressing throughout the week’s journey, we had another emotional life experience, as we got to know other Gold Star mothers and stories of their sons’ endurance to ensure that all civilians are able to live under the luxurious blanket of freedom and their liberty that their strength provides. No one knows the silent heartaches a Gold Star family suffers – only those who unwillingly join this “elite” club. For all who join this club, we will never truly know why, other than to be brought together into each others’ lives so we can help soothe the raw wounds that truly will never heal.
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FASCINATING MAN — Lorna Harris, right, heard a number of interesting stories while on the convoy with Wreaths Across America. Among those who shared their story was Sir Stanley A. Wojtusik, a POW survivor of the Battle of the Bulge in World War II.
    Bittersweet memories of our time spent together as we got to place wreaths on our sons’ graves buried at West Point and Arlington. Our mission now is to teach others to never let the memory of Dustin, Thomas, Mark, Tristin, Ben, Glen and Randell drift away. These special angels, our sons, each in their own way, let us know that they too were watching, smiling, sending their love back to us, showing that they too are proud of us all.
    Remember, honor, teach – three simple things with so much impact which we can all learn from, experience and live by.