HAMPTON -- Seacoast area Legionnaires are urged to take part in a call to salute the passing of thousands of Christmas wreaths through the Seacoast area on their way to Arlington National Cemetery on the outskirts of Washington, DC.

Dubbed "the longest Veterans parade in the country," the 750-mile trek begins December 9 in Harrington, Maine and will travel south on Route 1 to its destination, making stops along the way.

Here in the Seacoast area, the wreaths are scheduled to pass through downtown Hampton the next day on Monday, December 10 sometime between 12:30-1 p.m.

According to American Legion Post #35 Commander, Ralph Fatello, local Veterans are being asked to congregate at Marelli's Square in Hampton between 12-1 p.m. for the salute.

"These wreaths are a memorial to the Veterans whose grave it is placed on, honoring them for their sacrifice," says Fatello. "Let's be part of this historical event."

The special delivery is being organized by Mr. and Mrs. Morrill Worcester of Harrington, Maine. A US military Veteran himself, Worcester is president of Worcester Wreath, which is involved in the Arlington National Cemetery wreath project.

A supplier to LL Bean, Worcester Wreath has, since 1992, donated more than 5000 wreaths each year to adorn the headstones of fallen Veterans.

Last year marked the 15th year of the annual project, as well as the start of "Wreaths Across America," a campaign designed to honor deceased Veterans in each and every state and national cemetery across the country.

"It is our way of giving something back," Worcester says on his company Web site, "because without the sacrifices of our Veterans, and their families, we wouldn't be in a position to do any of this."

"We are sure Mr. Worcester will be very pleased to see the support," says Fatello. "Let's support this amazing man and his great deed for our fallen." For more information about this "Call to Salute" call (603) 929-4695; for more about the wreath project visit www.wreaths-across-america.org.