It’s often said that a picture can speak a thousand words... and that is the first thing that came to mind when I saw this photo. YM/Pvt Ronan Irwin Do Sacramento of Atlantic Coast (FL) Young Marines recently graduated from recruit training and this was his first event as a Young Marine. He had picked this row at random to honor during our day assist- ing the St. John’s Veteran’s Council with Wreaths Across America on December 17, 2016. Upon arriving at the grave, he kneeled. He outlined the letters with his fingers, and I can imagine many things went through his mind. I am certain this young man had a moment of special insight that day, because at the end, as we were talking about the day, he stated that his favorite moment of the day was learning that his ancestors are buried there. And at that one moment, a Young Marine took an opportunity to honor his legacy. -- Submitted by Kimberly Gibbons , Unit Commander, Atlantic Coast (FL) Young Marines A Young Marine Takes a Moment to Honor a Family Legacy By YM/LCpl Michael Manley Atlantic Coast (FL) On December 17, 2016 the Atlantic Coast (FL) Young Marines had the honor of participating in Wreaths Across Amer- ica in St.Augustine. It was such an amaz- ing experience for me. I did not know about Wreaths Across America before I became a Young Marine and am happy that I know about it now. Wreaths Across America was started by a man named Morrill Worcester.When he was 12 years old he won a trip to Wash- ington, DC. On that trip he visited Arlington Nation- al Cemetery. He never forgot it, because when he saw all of the graves he real- ized everything that he had was because of the ultimate sacrifice that all of those veterans made. When he be- came an adult, he opened a wreath company. In 1992, he had too many wreaths and wanted to do something nice for all of the veterans that he never forgot visiting. Mr. Worces- ter made arrangements to lay those wreaths on some of the graves at Arling- ton National Cemetery. He chose an older section of the cem- etery that was no longer visited very often. Some people and organizations donated to help him. They helped deco- rate the wreaths with a red bow, trans- ported them to the cemetery, helped to organize the wreath-laying, and had a special ceremony at the Tomb of the Un- knowns. Even though they did this every year, it was kept relatively quiet. In 2005 someone posted a picture to the internet of the Arlington graves with wreaths on them covered in snow. Thousands of people started to contact Morrill Worcester asking to help, thank- ing him for what he was doing, and do- ing the same for their local veteran cem- eteries. Every year, more people wanted to help and every year it grew bigger. Finally, in 2008, Con- gress unanimously voted to make De- cember 13 Wreaths Across America Day. Wreaths are placed on the second or third Saturday of December. Wreaths Across America reminds peo- ple to Remember, Honor, and Teach. Mr. Worcester wants everyone to remember and honor our veterans. He also wants everyone to teach the younger genera- tions about our history, that our free- doms were defended by the sacrifices of our military. I am so glad to be in the Young Marines for many reasons, and because I have learned about Wreaths Across America. It is something that I want to continue to do for the rest of my life. It will be my way of giving a Christmas gift to veterans to thank them for their service. It is nice to see how beautiful the cemetery looks with the wreaths against the graves and it makes me feel good to know that veterans are still remembered. Next year I am going to ask my fam- ily and friends to purchase wreaths to donate. It is what the holiday season is about, and this is such an important cause. I know that I am so happy that my unit was able to be a part of this special day, one that I will never forget. A Chance to Teach the Young to Remember and Honor YOUNG MARINES ESPRIT ONLINE 17