Post 150 Honors Community Citizens

Members and quest of Mechanic Falls ~ Minot ~ Poland American Legion Post 150 gathered to celebrate the birthday of the American Legion and the 75th birthday of the Sons of the American Legion.

The American Legion was chartered by Congress in 1919 as a patriotic, mutual help, war-time veterans’ organization.

Jolleen Bragdon Young was honored as 2007 Citizen of the Year by Post 150 Auxiliary.

As part of their celebration, the post also selects a woman and man of the year to honor, as well as a citizen of the year.

They also honored Morrill and Karen Worcester of the Worcester Wreath Company of Harrington, Maine.

Forty-five years ago, Morrill Worcester made a trip to Washington, D.C., with other newspaper delivery boys and was awestruck when they visited Arlington National Cemetery. The rows and rows of white gravestones marking the final resting place of so many of America’s veterans made a lasting impact on the young boy. Although never a veteran himself, he has wanted to do something for these veterans for years.

In 1992, the Wreath Company found themselves with an excess of wreaths nearing the end of the holiday season. Seeing an opportunity to make a boyhood dream a reality, efforts to do something special with those wreaths began in earnest. With the help of Maine Senator Olympia Snowe, arrangements were made for the wreaths to be placed at Arlington in one of the older sections of the cemetery, a section which received fewer visitors with each passing year. “For the first 14 years, it was almost a private gesture,” he said. Worcester is a quiet spoken man with a great appreciation for the sacrifices made by veterans and their families.

His dream to honor veterans with Maine wreaths for the holidays has become an annual event cherished by many. “Many people there gave the ultimate sacrifice; it’s some­thing you never forget,” Morrill says

Spurred by the tremendous outpouring of letters and interest, and to celebrate the 15 years of giving, Worcester Wreath Company solicited Civil Air Patrol, the Patriot Guard Riders and other civic minded groups to help expand the reaches of the Arlington Wreath Project with Wreaths Across America - the placing of memorial wreaths dur­ing a special ceremony at each of the over 230 state and national cemeteries, and veterans monuments across the country.

“Our goal is to expand the recognition of those who serve our country, both past, present, and future, as well as their families who deserve our support. Without the sac­rifices of our veterans, there would be no opportunity to enjoy the freedoms, the life we live today,” he said.

Morrill Worcester was presented a plaque in recognition for the wreaths he and his company donate for Arlington National Cemetery and veteran’s cemeteries and memorials across the country.

Jesse Pierce, service officer for Post 150 was also honored as Man of the Year for Mechanic Falls, Minot, and Poland.

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