Wreaths Across America gets snowy welcome

DARIEN — Snow did not stop the arrival of the Wreaths Across America convoy, which rolled through Darien just before the storm intensified Wednesday evening.

Normally there are 15 tractor trailers in the convoy but they sent them ahead of the weather. One truck drove through escorted by both Maine and Connecticut state police as the convoy originates in Maine.

Chevrolet donated vehicles for Gold Star families who travel with the convoy, who usually travel by bus, but arrived separately this year due to the pandemic. The cars and the truck are wrapped with the WAA logo.

Each year, Chevrolet donates 4,000 wreaths and provides 12 vehicles to support a week-long veterans parade from Maine to Arlington, Va.

David and Karen Polett, former organizers of the event in Darien, welcomed the convoy, which they were notified about last minute, along with Darien’s three fire departments, who saluted the arrival with sirens and flashing lights. Darien is a layover on the Wreaths Across America Escort to Arlington.

“The car carrying WAA Executive Director Karen Worcester with her husband and WAA Founder Morrill Worcester flashed their lights and beeped their horn to acknowledge us,” Karen Polett said. “... Darien, Noroton, and Noroton Heights Fire Departments were well represented. This has become a tradition in Darien.”

The wreaths will continue on their way to Arlington National Cemetery. Darien’s wreaths were delivered separately, to decorate the graves of veterans here.

Darien’s wreath-laying ceremony at noon on Saturday will be livestreamed by DAF Media. It will be by invitation only in accordance with the state’s pandemic guidelines.