The Wreaths Across America convoy will be passing through Saco and Biddeford early Monday morning.

Wreath Across America dates back to 1992 when Worcester Wreath Company owner Morrill Worcester of Harrington, Maine delivered 5,000 wreaths to Arlington National Cemetery in Washington D.C. to be placed on soldiers’ graves. The effort later became a non-profit and has grown to provide about 250,000 wreaths to graves at Arlington National Ceremony annually on Dec. 16.

Each December, a convoy of veterans, Gold Star Families and supporters make the weeklong trek from Harrington, Maine to Arlington National Cemetery, making stops along the way to schools and community groups to discuss Wreaths Across America’s mission of “Remember, Honor, Teach.”

The escort dubbed “the country’s longest veterans' parade,” in a press release from the organization, leaves Harrington on Dec. 9. and will arrive at Arlington National Cemetery on Dec. 16.

On Monday, Dec. 11, the convoy is leaving Ocean Gateway in Portland at 6:45 a.m. and then heading south on Route One to a presentation at York High School, said Wreath Across America Director of Communications Amber Caron.

As the convoy travels south from Portland, it will be passing though Saco and Biddeford on Route One around 7 a.m.

In Addition to the Arlington National Cemetery ceremony, here are local Wreaths Across America ceremonies held on Dec. 16 across the country. For more information, go to  www.wreathsacrossamerica.org.

Saco Bay News Publisher Liz Gotthelf can be reached at newsdesk@sacobaynews.com.