Stittsville, Ontario
Mr. McPhee is a Canadian Armed Forces Veteran who is the Founder and President of Wreaths Across Canada (W.A.C.) Incorporated. He was inspired to introduce this honour to Canadians after observing the Wreaths Across America ceremony in Arlington Cemetery in Washington, D.C., where he saw wreaths at Veterans’ headstones. He put together a team and W.A.C. was formed under his leadership with the mission to "remember" those members of the Canadian Armed Forces who lie in military cemeteries across Canada; to "honour" those who have and are serving Canada as members of our military forces; and to "teach" Canadian youth the value of freedom. This is achieved by placing balsam wreaths at the National Military Cemetery at Beechwood Cemetery in Ottawa, but with a vision that all 225,000 Veterans’ graves spread across Canada will be honoured this way each year. Mr. McPhee personally underwrote the start-up and operating expenses required to launch his initiative. He also advised and guided the establishment of W.A.C.’s first branch in St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador, where 900 wreaths are now placed at Mount Pleasant Cemetery. Mr. McPhee has spoken to schools, cadet and youth organizations, the media, and numerous community groups to encourage the public to become involved in W.A.C.