The Wreaths Across America caravan will be stopping in Old Saybrook on their journey from Maine to Virginia, where the group will place wreaths on the graves of thousands of soldiers at Arlington National Cemetery.

The tribute in Old Saybrook on Dec. 9 and 10 will include citizen volunteers, local veterans organizations, local Boy Scout troops, town firefighters, and municipal and state police officers. Retired veteran and Durham resident Bill Smith and his friend will be joining the group in Old Saybrook. It will be Smith's first time going and he plans to meet up with the group at their last stop in Maryland and join them down in Arlington.

"I'm going to Old Saybrook to greet everyone and introduce myself," Smith said. "Anyone can go so I'm sure we will meet up with other veterans there."

The caravan will be escorted by the Patriot Guard Riders, a motorcycle club that volunteers to lead the wreath-hauling truck down Route 1. They will stop in Old Saybrook because, according to organizers, the event last year was well attended. The caravan will arrive at 4 p.m. and will have a wreath-laying at the war memorial on the town green. Dinner and special ceremonies are planned at Old Saybrook High School, 1111 Boston Post Road at 5:30 p.m. and 7 p.m., and breakfast will be held there at 7 a.m. on the 10th before the group journeys south.

Last year, Wreaths Across America ceremonies were held at 286 locations and 50 to 300 vehicles joined the caravan to lay 32,553 wreaths on soldiers' graves, according to the organization's website. It all started with Morrill Worcester of Harrington, Maine whose company has decorated Arlington every Christmas since 1993. The program has expanded nationwide and has received national publicity. It was Worcester's wish to bring children and Veterans together as an expression of appreciation for the sacrifices of our veterans and their families.

If you are interested in joining or would like more information, visit wreathsacrossamerica.com.