Wreaths Across America Comes Back to Freehold Borough

Freehold Borough has been chosen, for the second year in a row, to be apart of a nationwide event that honors fallen veterans.

Wreaths Across America is coming back to the borough this Saturday, Dec. 15 to lay wreaths on the graves in Elks Point. Freehold Borough will be one of the 800 towns across the country that honor their veterans by placing wreaths on the graves of those who gave the ultimate sacrifice.

According to Freehold Borough Councilman George Schnurr, wreath laying during the holidays started at Arlington National Cemetery in 1992 by a Maine businessman, Morrill Worcester whose family owned Worcester Wreath Company. For 14 years the wreath laying was completed with very little fanfare until in 2005, when an image of the wreaths in the snow at Arlington became an instant hit on the Internet and thousands of people contacted Worcester Wreath Company to see how they could get involved.

“With all of the hustle and bustle of the Holiday Season, to remember veterans who made the ultimate sacrifice is a wonderful idea and we hope that this tradition of remembrance can grow each year,” said Schnurr.

This Saturday will mark the Freehold Masons Olive Branch Lodge #16’s second year in participating in Wreaths Across America. The wreaths will be laid at exactly noon, on Saturday, Dec. 15 in Elks Point in Freehold Borough along with the other 799 locations in all 50 states and nearly 30 locations overseas.

“I would like to thank the Masons for their contribution. Throughout the year they seek out opportunities in an around Freehold Borough to offer charity and in-kind support. This is another fine example of the good and caring work that Freemasons do for others,” said Schnurr.

The laying of the wreaths is open to the public. Parking is available at the Elks Lodge and at the Knights of Columbus. Elks Point is located at the corner of East Main Street (Rt 537) and Broadway (Rt 79).