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Wreaths To Be Placed At Arlington National Cemetery Despite Pandemic

ARLINGTON, Va. (AP) -- The holiday tradition of laying wreaths on graves at the Arlington National Cemetery will continue this year, despite the pandemic.

Wreaths Across America was told Monday that the tradition was being put on hiatus, but Army Secretary Ryan McCarthy announced Tuesday that he directed the cemetery to allow the wreaths.

"We appreciate the families and visitors who take time to honor and remember those who are laid to rest at our nation's most hallowed ground," McCarthy tweeted. A final schedule will be released soon, he said.

Two hours later, President Donald Trump took credit for reversing "the ridiculous decision" in his own tweet. "It will now go on!" he said.

National Wreaths Across America Day
WASHINGTON, DC - DECEMBER 17: More than 50,000 anticipated volunteers placed remembrance wreaths on the nearly 245,000 headstones in Arlington National Cemetery on December 17, 2016 in Arlington, Virginia. The year 2016 marks the 25th year that wreaths have been placed in remembrance of those who have fought for the country's freedoms. (Photo by Leigh Vogel/Getty Images)

Karen Worcester, of Wreaths Across America, said cemetery officials are willing to work with her organization on a plan place wreaths while remaining safe and preventing the spread of the coronavirus.

The tradition dates to 1992 when Maine wreath maker Morrill Worcester's Worcester Wreath Company donated 5,000 wreaths to Arlington Cemetery.

It has grown since then. Last year, about 2 million wreaths were placed at 2,000 locations, including Arlington National Cemetery.

(© Copyright 2020 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)

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