13

Last Saturday a convoy of tractor trailers filled with Maine wreaths left for Arlington National Cemetery. After making stops along the route they’ll arrive this Saturday to lay wreaths on graves of fallen soldiers. It’s been a tradition since 1992 when a Harrington, Maine, wreath company had a surplus of wreaths and donated 5,000 to Arlington. Since then it’s grown into a nonprofit organization, and in 2021 delivered over 150,000 wreaths! Their mission: Remember-Honor-Teach • #13 on our countdown is: It’s The Most Wonderful Time Of The Year by Edward Pola and George Wyle, 1963 • It was specifically written for the Andy Williams Christmas Special that year, and was also included on his first Christmas Album, published that year • Wyle was a Vocal Director for the Andy Williams TV shows, who also wrote the theme song to the TV show Gilligan’s Island • Included in the lyrics is a reference to “telling scary ghost stories” which was a Victorian Christmas tradition • Because Andy was known for wearing bright gaudy sweaters on his Holiday Specials, he earned the nickname Mr. Christmas • Notable covers include Johnny Mathis, Amy Grant, Harry Connick Jr • Peace & Love To All!