AGAWAM – For the second year in a row, the Wreaths Across America traveling exhibit will make its way to Agawam. In an effort to recognize our veterans, residents are encouraged to visit the exhibit on July 17 at Agawam High School from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

According to the Wreaths Across America’s website, Morrill Worcester, owner of Worcester Wreath Company in Harrington, Maine, won a trip at the age of 12 to visit Washington D.C. and the Arlington National Cemetery. The experience left a lasting impression on him throughout his life.

In 1992, Worcester had a “surplus” of wreaths at the end of the holiday season and realized he had an opportunity. With assistance, Worcester placed wreaths on older Arlington graves that didn’t see as many visitors over the years.

As time went on, Worcester’s name grew, along with countless individuals and companies who wished to partake in this project. In 2007, the Worcester family, veterans, and others who assisted in their annual veterans wreath ceremony in Arlington, formed Wreaths Across America, a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization. Their goal was to continue this tradition and expand this effort to people across the country.

Their overall mission is “Remember, Honor, Teach.”

Agawam resident Anthony Leroux said about seven years ago, he was a Freemason in search of a project. As a result, he began collecting donations for the Wreaths Across America organization.

“It was a great cause to remember vets during Christmas time,” said Leroux.

The second year, Leroux started having dinners which attracted more and more people over a period of time. Last year marked his sixth year in assisting the organization and he decided to contact Wreaths Across America to ask if they could send the exhibit down to Agawam.

In 2020, Leroux only received a day’s notice that the exhibit would be arriving. Unfortunately, the turnout was small since many were unaware.

This year, Leroux received a 90 day’s notice, providing him a lot of time to advertise.

“It’s a beautiful exhibit,” explained Leroux. “To be a part of this is incredible.”

The exhibit takes approximately 15 minutes to travel through. There is a video that 20 people are able to watch at a given time. “It brings tears to your eyes,” said Leroux.

Through Leroux’s efforts over the years, roughly $30,000 has been raised. Last year alone,they raised $18,000. “This grows every year,” he said.

There are 2,500 National Cemeteries. On Dec. 18, people around the world put wreaths on gravestones to honor our veterans.

Leroux said there are Wreaths Across America trucks that people may see around and some consist of Gold Star Moms – mothers that have lost their son or daughter in the service.

Leroux encourages everyone to come, but most importantly, children, as they aim to carry out their mission. In addition, he stated, “I encourage all veterans to attend as the exhibit will show them how we honor all veterans as they pass on to greater glory. It is asked that if they attend and served during the Vietnam War that they identify as such so they can receive a special proclamation issued by President Trump.”

“Making a true community event,” is Leroux’s hope for this year’s exhibit. “It’s an attraction to get people there to see.”

For additional information on the Wreaths Across America traveling exhibit, visit the town of Agawam’s Facebook page.

To learn more about the Wreaths Across America organization, visit wreathsacrossamerica.org.