National cemeteries in Biloxi, Natchez and Corinth will participate Dec. 14 in a wreath-laying ceremony to honor veterans nationwide.

The event is spearheaded by a Maine company and promoted by various veterans organizations, including Mississippi members of the Patriot Guard Riders.

“Wreaths Across America” was started by Morrill Worcester, owner of Maine’s largest wreath company. Annually, Worcester Wreath Co. of Harrington, Maine, sends 5,000 wreaths to be placed on gravestones at Arlington National Cemetery.

This year, Worcester is donating 8,000 wreaths for ceremonies at nearly 230 veterans cemeteries and monuments in every state and Puerto Rico.

The ceremonies are to be held simultaneously on Dec. 14 at noon EST. The ceremonies will be at 11 a.m. CST at the three cemeteries in Mississippi.

Joining in the observances will be the Civil Air Patrol, the Patriot Guard Riders, National Committee of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, American Legion, Daughters of the American Revolution, Boy Scouts and other civic groups.

On the Net:

Wreaths Across America, http://www.wreathsacrossamerica.com

Worcester Wreath Co., http://www.worcesterwreath.com

Patriot Guard, http://www.patriotguard.org