OLD ORCHARD BEACH — The founder of Wreaths Across America stopped by Jameson Elementary School Tuesday afternoon, just days before organizers embarked on a week-long journey to Arlington National Cemetery.

Wreaths Across America is a nonprofit that lays holiday wreaths on the graves of veterans at Arlington National Cemetery on the second Saturday of December, and coordinates wreath laying ceremonies across the country and beyond. It was started in 1992 by Merrill Worcester, owner of the Worcester Wreath Company in Harrington.

On Tuesday, Worcester fielded questions from students during an assembly at the school’s gymnasium.

Worcester said the wreaths are made of balsam fir and decorated with a “red, velvety bow.” They are 21 inches in diameter, weigh 3 1/4 pounds and are made in Maine.

“Every wreath is alike,” said Worcester.

The wreaths are transported 751 miles to Arlington, Va. and are laid against the gravestones at a 45 degree angle, so as not to blow over in the wind, he said.

Wreaths Across America officials began making a stop at the school four years ago, through a connection with retired Jameson teacher Linda Roy, who is friends with Wreaths Across America Event Coordinators John and Bunny O’Leary. Roy, who now works as a substitute teacher at the school, was instrumental in getting the organization to visit. She said the event teaches the importance of the sacrifices veterans have made.

Wreaths Across America makes stops at other schools, and Bunny O’Leary said Jameson Elementary was the first school to which the organization made a visit.

Principal Mike Flaherty said he is honored the organization continues to make Jameson Elementary one of its stops and said the school’s students and staff appreciate the organization’s values and mission.

“Thanks for coming to Jameson School and sharing with all of us the amazing work that you do,” he said.

O’Leary and Merrill presented the school with a wreath, and Flaherty gave them Jameson School bracelets, noting that remembering the school’s rules ”“ Be honest, be safe, be respectful and follow rules ”“ will help them as they make their journey.

Officials from Wreaths Across America will begin the trek down to Arlington, Va. on Sunday, making stops along the way.

Locally, the organization will make several stops: At Cabela’s in Scarborough at 6:45 p.m. Sunday; and Monday at Kennebunk High School at 7:30 a.m.; Wells Middle School at 7:45 a.m.; and Kittery Trading Post at 9:15 a.m.

Organizers are scheduled to arrive at Arlington National Cemetery on Saturday, Dec. 10.

— Staff Writer Liz Gotthelf can be contacted at 282-1535, Ext. 325 or egotthelf@journaltribune.com.