Dec. 16—NORTH KINGSVILLE — Wreaths Across America was celebrated locally Saturday, as 1,763 wreaths were placed throughout Greenlawn Memory Gardens.
The national event encourages area groups to honor veterans by placing wreaths at cemeteries across the country. Ashtabula County Blue Star Mothers President Amy Hutchinson said 4,908 similar ceremonies and wreath placements took place across the United States.
Greenlawn Memory Gardens Family Service Coordinator Jessica Masirovits said the wreaths were delivered to the cemetery early in the week and stored in a pole barn.
She said normally, volunteers and cemetery personnel place the wreaths on the 1,763 veterans’ graves, but that was not possible this year due to the large amount of snow still on the ground.
Masirovits said Greenlawn Memory Gardens workers will place the wreaths, but could use some help. She said if anyone would like to help place wreaths, they should call GMG at 440-224-1155.
Masirovits thanked Will Runyan, commandant of the North Kingsville American Legion Neal Post 743, for connecting GMG with the Ashtabula County Veterans Task Force which helped bring in donations for the program.
Hutchinson said the simultaneous celebrations were to begin at noon at the sites across the country. She discussed the importance of freedom and cooperation.
Ashtabula County Commissioner J.P. Ducro read a proclamation from the commissioners celebrating the Wreaths Across America program.
Hutchinson explained how the Blue Star Mothers support families of military personnel spread across the world. She said the organization assists families when their loved one returns home.
The Northeastern Ohio Chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution presented the colors in front of a stained glass window that shows the colors of the American flag.
Nine different people placed ceremonial wreaths at the front of the mausoleum to honor each branch of the U.S. military and first responders.
Members of the Geneva High School choir sang the National Anthem.
A variety of speakers reflected on the importance of honoring the service of veterans who fought to keep the United States a free country.
Retired U.S. Army Captain Olena Tarnawsky was the main speaker for the event.
The street in front of the mausoleum was packed with cars, and more than 75 people attended the event despite chilly temperatures.
Runyan shared remarks representing the Gold Star Mothers, who have lost a family member during their fight for freedom in the United States and throughout the world.
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Publish date : 2024-12-16 01:17:00
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