Dear Michael Barbour,
What is Your Why?
Here at Wreaths Across America headquarters the cool Maine air signals the end of summer as well as the end of a very busy September.
It has been an emotional and educational few weeks as we have spent time with and learned the stories of many who have lived lives of service to our Country. From our September 11 flag waving memorial, a 12-hour iHeart radiothon, the Women in Military Roundtable Discussion on Wreaths Radio, an educational summit with Law Enforcement Officers, to the dedication of the Military Women’s Memorial Grove on the tiplands this past Monday, I have been inspired by the examples set by so many women and men.
It has become a custom at our events to ask those who participate “what is your why?”
Without exception, each time we carry out this exercise and one-by-one, each participant gives their testimony, there are tears, compassion and a strengthened bond within our extended WAA family.
My own why grows bigger with each passing month, and new person I meet. It grew this month as I had the honor to sit next to one of my own heroes, Medal of Honor Recipient Roger Donlon and his amazing wife, Norma, at a Medal of Honor Society event in Boston on 9/11. Together, we watched Medal of Honor Recipient Leroy Petry - whose service in Afghanistan earned him his Medal - struggle to speak of the 13 men and women who our Country just lost.
It grew during our Law Enforcement Officer Summit as a military veteran and Officer embraced me and cried as he continues to work through his PTSD. Then again at the Grove dedication, as I listened to a 98 year-old WWII Navy Nurse recall her service with pride and end by stating she’d be proud to go again if she could. All these amazing people, continue to fuel my why.
I recently read a quote, “If American children are not taught the principles of freedom, America will not be free for long.” For me, truer words have never been spoken, and this fear is also part of my why.
Finally, to all of the devoted Wreaths Across America volunteers and supporters, it is your passion and commitment that allows us collectively, to carry out this important mission…YOU are my why… and I thank you.
With gratitude,
Karen Worcester
REMEMBER. HONOR. TEACH.