Wreaths Across America...

This cold winter's eve finds us at Cabela's.. waiting for the trucks of "Wreaths Across America" to arrive at their first over night stop of their journey to Arlington National Cemetery. Last year, we were headed to Arlington ourselves, but this year the trip just wasn't in the budget (so to speak) But watching the trucks roll in, how I wished that we would soon be on our way as well. Next year, we're going to see what we can do about making the trip again.....

Debbie was quite interested in all the activities... it's because of the service puppies that we went last year... and I must say, I think everyone should put this on their bucket list.

The trucks are so impressive as they roll in... the drivers and trucks themselves are all volunteers, escorted by police and a motorcycle group. I can't imagine riding a motorcycle this time of year, but there is a group that travels the whole way down. It was quite cold this year... and when I heard that the Governor's wife was riding on one of the bikes.... I must say I admire her courage to do so...

Once the trucks were parked and settled.. they have a very nice ceremony outside of Cabela's.... it's very moving.. and yet cheerful and somber all at the same time.

The bagpipe corps were there again this year.... as were several color guards from all branches of the military.....

As Debbie and I were standing in the crowd and watching the "going on's"... I turned and saw Karen Worcester standing right near us. It was Karen and her husband, Morrill are the founders of Wreaths Across America.... and so, when she had a moment I stepped over and got a few minutes to talk with her. I told her that we had gone last year to help put out the wreaths... told her about the service dogs that we raised and had the chance to tell her thank you. She was very nice to talk with and even said yes when I asked if I could take this picture of her and Debbie together. She asked if I could send this photo to her and then give her this blog address as she would like to read my story about our trip.....

The ceremonies then moved inside with the bagpipe corps doing a great concert... People were in such a happy mode, and it seems like a great way to begin the Christmas season... (still wish we were going!!!)

Course the service puppies always draw a lot of attention.. and perhaps  you see a golden here that you might know... yup, that's Ginger!!! She, Pastor Jane and Bill all drove up to be a part of the excitement... they too had hoped to travel down this year, but it's a busy time for Pastor Jane.. so they're not going either...

We took advantage of being all together and got some nice pictures of the group.....

and the "puppies"... who are...  Moxie, Otis, Debbie, Rayvan, Brutus and Ginger....

We stayed for along time, just visiting and talking... the dog's went into their "usual mode"... lay quietly and wait.....













And little Debbie dog did so well... it was a nice training time for her. Course a trip to the "big city" would have been even better.... but all in good time...

If you wish to know more about "Wreaths Across America" you can find out all the information at www.wreathsacrossamerica.org  it is a wonderful story and well worth learning about.