The U.S. Patent and Trademark Office Military Association (UMA) recently hosted a reception at the Fort Meyer Officers’ Club honoring Wreaths Across America, and commemorating 25 years of the laying of wreaths at Arlington National Cemetery.

It was an amazing event in which the Founders and Executives of Wreaths Across America honored those who have helped them fulfill their mission to Remember, Honor, Teach: Remember the fallen, Honor those who serve and their families, and Teach the future generations about the sacrifices made to preserve our freedoms.

Mr. Fred Steckler, the USPTO Chief Administrative Officer gave the keynote address.

“At the USPTO, we all understand the power of one inspired idea,” Steckler said, “and the impact that that idea can have on our world when people come together with purpose and determination to make a difference.”

It was that one idea by Morrill Worcester, the founder of Wreaths Across America, that has led to meeting the long-held goal of covering Arlington National Cemetery with 226,525 wreaths in 2014.

The UMA Wreaths Across America Committee, headed by Troy Tyler, who was also master of ceremonies, enlisted the help of UMA members Catherine Ferreira, Hank MacDonald, Melissa Harvey, Sherry Anderson, Arlene Jones, Mark Booker, Clifton Randolph, Aretha Grayson, George Andonyan, Albert Gagliardi, Gair MacKenzie, and Brian Simpkins to make the event a resounding success.

The mission of the UMA is to provide fellowship, mentorship, and advocacy for military veterans working at the USPTO, and to help educate others on the important contributions that veterans have made – and continue to make – to the workforce and our nation. Membership is open to all USPTO employees.