Thank you to all who helped make this year’s Wreaths Across America Ceremony at the Berlin Community Cemetery meaningful.
When this community service project started in Berlin two years ago, there were only eight ceremonial wreaths, representing each branch of the service. This year, there were 119 wreaths sponsored by the Berlin Community.
Ms. Karen Day, Mr. Daryl Maxon, Mrs. Kim Collen, and Mrs. Debbie Maxon organizers of the event, thanked all the volunteers who came to place wreaths on the graves of veterans at the Berlin Community Cemetery.
Before placing the wreaths, Ms. Day asked that the volunteers lay the wreath on the Veteran’s grave, say the Veteran’s name aloud, and take a moment to thank them for their service to our country.
“A small act that goes a long way toward keeping the memory of our veterans alive,” said Ms. Day.
“We are not here today to ‘decorate graves,’ we are here to remember not their deaths but their lives. Each wreath is a gift of appreciation from a grateful America,” continued Ms. Day.
The live balsam fir wreaths symbolize honor to those who have served and are serving in the armed forces of our great nation and to their families who endure sacrifices every day on our behalf.
The Berlin Community Cemetery event was one of more than 4,600 participating locations across the country, recognizing the many veterans laid to rest in cemeteries across the United States. The wreath-laying national tradition in December honors veterans, active military, and their families by placing wreaths at cemeteries, memorials, and historic sites across the USA.
This year’s theme was ‘Keep Moving Forward,’ which was inspired by the stories of volunteers who have turned adversity into a call to action.
“We all have the power to make a difference for someone, by stepping up and lending a hand where needed,” shared Ms. Day.
“Being here today demonstrates that you are someone that cares for others.”
Ms. Day also extended her gratitude on behalf of the community to those gathered who have answered that call and served their country. Thank you to the following veterans and community members who assisted in the ceremony: Mr. Kevin Stevens, who placed the wreath in memory of those who served and are serving in the United States Army; Mr. Wally O’Neil, who placed the wreath in memory of those who served and are serving in the United States Marine Corps; Mr. Lawrence Stott, who placed the wreath in memory of those who served and are serving in the United States Navy; Mr. Chris vonSchilgen, who placed the wreath in memory of those who served and are serving in the United States Air Force; Mr. Mike Hastings, who placed the wreath in memory of those who served and are serving in the United States Space Force; Mr. Daryl Maxon, who placed the wreath in memory of those who served and are serving in the United States Coast Guard; Mr. Todd Dort, Mrs. Jen Dort, and Nico Dort, who placed the wreath in memory of those who served and are serving in the United States Merchant Marines; and Mr. Mark Zwinge, who placed the veteran’s wreath in honor of the 93,129 United States Servicemen from all branches of the service whose last known status was either Prisoner of War or Missing in Action. These individuals have never returned to their families and homes. We shall not forget you.
Thank you to Mr. Wayne Cornell for playing TAPS before the placement of the wreaths.
As a nation standing together, we can defeat terrorism, hatred, and injustice. Thanks to our Veterans, we have the freedom to do just that. – Ms. Karen Day
photos: BCSD Communications and Ms. Debbie Maxon