Wreaths Across America is a national organization committed to honoring and paying respects to veterans during the holiday season. The Milford community comes together annually to lay wreaths on the graves of local deceased veterans.
However, Milford is not the only town who participates in this honorable service, more than two million wreaths were placed across local, national, and military cemeteries in the country on Saturday, December 16 at 12 p.m.
Americans pay respects to veterans on the typical holidays like Memorial and Veterans day but it is important to do so everyday. Especially during the holidays.
DAR WAA Coordinator Barbara Stewart says that it is important for the community to unite for an event like this; “to teach all the people of what the sacrifices meant for the men and women who served our country, and are serving currently.”
Stewart started with The Freelove Baldwin Stow chapter of Wreaths Across America 16 years ago when there were only 7 ceremonial wreaths. The organization has continued to grow now having 456 ceremonial wreaths to be laid in the Kings Highway Cemetery.
The ceremony held annually consists of presentation of the colors by the DAV Chapter #15 Milford Color Guard. Continuing into an opening prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, guest speakers including the new Mayor Tony Giannattasio, and finally a closing prayer following the laying of the wreaths.
There is an incredible amount of participation by the local veterans from all branches throughout the event. Stewart says, “Seeing all the vets participate and people honoring them.” is her favorite part of this long standing tradition.
The motto of Wreaths Across America, presented on the event’s program pamphlet, really shows WHY they do what they do. To; “REMEMBER our fallen U.S. veterans. HONOR those who serve. [and] TEACH your children the value of freedom.”
Each year the non-profit organization chooses a theme to support the cause. The theme for 2023 was “Serve and Succeed.”
According to the Wreaths Across America official website, Executive Director Karen Worcester says, “There are many ways to serve your community and country, and just as many definitions of success. We hope through focusing on those stories of success we will help change the dialogue around what it means to serve your country.”
Finally, youth participation is key to keeping this tradition alive. So Stewart advises Foran students to “Come next year!”
