BELFAST — Groups gathered on the Main Street sidewalks, from Front Street to Post Office Square to watch the Wreaths Across America procession wind its way along the downtown route. This year the celebration took place at the old MBNA building, which was the end destination of the procession, which could be heard nearing the downtown area at least 10 minutes before it turned onto Main Street. 

The procession, which begins in Harrington Maine, is making the annual trip to Arlington National Cemetery in Washington D.C.

“Arlington National Cemetery, the most famous cemetery in the country, is the final resting place for many of our nation's greatest heroes, including more than 300,000 veterans of every American conflict, from the Revolutionary War to Iraq and Afghanistan,” according to the National Parks Service.  

According to their website, Wreaths Across America’s mission is to: 

“Remember the fallen. Honor those who serve. Teach the next generation the value of freedom. Our volunteers are the beating heart of the program and work year-round to share this important mission and inspire others to join.”

The ceremony at Arlington Cemetery is expected to take place Dec. 16.

Erica Thoms can be reached at news@penbaypilot.com