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Published by former Mayor George Gardner December 15 2012

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George Gardner 57 Fullerwood Drive St. Augustine FL 32084

Wreaths Across America St. Augustine 2012

Dan Blackman

Orchestrating Saturday's ceremony was Dan Blackman of the Veterans Council of St. Johns County.

"We have had many people thank us for this simple act," says Blackman. "For people who were unable to be present at services for loved ones, it has provided a sense of closure."

Of succeeding in providing wreaths for each grave - all contributed, Blackman said, "This is an incredible event in our history. I can't thank our contributors enough for this milestone."

Merrill Worcester

From TruthOrFiction.com.

Merrill Worcester, owner of the Worcester Wreath Co. of Harrington, Maine, began Wreaths Across America in 1992, taking a surplus of 4,000 wreaths to Arlington Cemetery.

He not only provides the wreaths for Arlington, but covers the trucking expense as well.

Also, most years, groups of Maine school kids combine an educational trip to DC with this event to help out.

Making this even more remarkable is the fact that Harrington is in one of the poorest parts of the state.

Saturday, noon sharp

Row on row, wreaths were placed on all 1,218 markers at St. Augustine's National Cemetery Saturday in ceremonies reflected in all 50 states and 30 overseas locations.

The Wreaths Across America Day To Honor Veterans marked the placing of the millionth wreath since a Maine wreath maker began the program 20 years ago, and the first time since St. Augustine joined the program that all of the cemetery's graves have been covered.

Members of the St. Augustine Garrison joined some 100 residents and veterans in the ceremonies, lending a spirit of the city's long military history.

Coordinating with hundreds of same ceremonies across the nation and overseas, SGM (Ret) Ray Quinn opened the ceremonies
at noon sharp beneath the American flag at half-staff and before a line of wreaths filling the cemetery's central walkway.

Each of the services was honored with wreaths carried by active duty personnel and escorted by flag-bearing Junior ROTC cadets. Then all were invited to set wreaths on the markers.

'Above and Beyond'

Navigating St. Augustine's narrow streets with a semi filled with wreaths couldn't happen, so Danielle McQuarry of Two Men and a Truck met the southbound semi at SR 206 and I 95 to off-load and store the wreaths. She also served coffee and doughnuts before the ceremonies began.

Said McQuarry during ceremonies in 2010, "I can't sit by and do nothing. They gave of their all for me and my family; I have to give them something in return."

The St. Augustine Report is published weekly, with additional Reports previewing City Commission meetings as well as Special Reports. The Report is written and distributed by George Gardner, St. Augustine Mayor (2002-2006) and Commissioner (2006-2008) and a former newspaper reporter and editor. Contact the Report at gardner@aug.com