Each year on National Wreaths Across America Day, millions of Americans – a third of whom are children – come together to remember the fallen, honor those that serve and their families, and teach the next generation about the value of freedom. Until a few weeks ago, when joint applications filed by Harvey C. Noone Legion Post 954 and Girl Scout Troop 60487 were approved, there were no participating cemeteries in Monroe County. There are now two. One is the Creekside/St. Vincent’s Cemetery in the Village of Churchville and the other is the Riga Cemetery on Route 36 just south of the Village. Buried in these cemeteries are over 375 veterans. Each year, a new theme is chosen by the national organization to help local volunteers and supporters focus their messaging and outreach in our communities. This year, the theme is “Everyone plays a part.”
In December 1992 in Harrington, Maine, wreath maker Morrill Worcester found himself with a surplus of 5,000 wreaths during the holiday season. Worcester saw the surplus as an opportunity to pay tribute to our country’s veterans and with the help of Maine Senator Olympia Snowe, arranged for the wreaths to be placed at Arlington National Cemetery. This annual tribute to our country’s veterans has continued ever since, touching the lives of millions of veterans’ families and volunteers and growing in scope through the years.
In 2007, the Worcester family along with veterans and volunteers formed the non-profit organization Wreaths Across America to continue and expand their efforts at Arlington National Cemetery and to support those around the country who wished to do the same.
The inspiration for this year’s theme was a recommendation made by ten-year-old “Mighty” Miles Worcester, the grandson of the founders of Wreaths Across America, Morrill and Karen Worcester. Last May, while in Washington D.C. for an event, Miles saw a U.S. Service member in uniform at the hotel where he was staying. As he always does, Miles walked up to the gentleman, reached out to shake his hand and thanked him for his service. And his response was simple and impactful: “Thank you…everyone plays a part.” Miles went directly to his grandmother, WAA Executive Director Karen Worcester, to tell her that he believed this statement would be the perfect theme because, as he said, “those serving in the military are doing their part, but it is our part as Americans to remember and honor them, and that’s what Wreaths Across America does.”
The millions of volunteers and supporters – from schoolchildren and educators, professional truck drivers, first responders, veterans, Gold Star and Blue Star families, to corporations and other nonprofits – devote so much of themselves to the mission to remember, honor, and teach in their own communities. Each of them play a part in helping to plan and participate in local events and fundraising activities, sponsor and transport wreaths, and raise awareness.
When asked how he feels to know so many people across the country come together each December to remember, honor and teach, Miles said without hesitation, “It makes me feel proud to be an American.”
With only about seven weeks between approval to participate and the December 2019 ceremony date, the coordinators reached out for help. In response, countless individuals, other community organizations, and local businesses have stepped forward to join this mission to honor all veterans, epitomizing this year’s theme – “Everyone plays a part.”
In 2018, nearly 1.8 million veteran wreaths were placed on headstones at 1,640 participating cemeteries around the country in honor of the service and sacrifices made for our freedoms, with each name said out loud.
This year, National Wreaths Across America Day is Saturday, December 14. On that day, at 12 noon, at the grave of Harvey C. Noone, who is buried in Creekside Cemetery, the ceremony will be held, followed by placing wreaths on the headstones of veterans buried in the Creekside/St. Vincent’s cemetery. Parking will be in the Church Lodge Parking Lot, with refreshments following in the Lodge. Wreaths will be placed later that day in Riga Cemetery. This is a free event open to all people.
Each hand made, fresh, live wreath costs $15 to sponsor and is made in the United States with Maine balsam. To sponsor a wreath for a hero, or to learn more about Wreaths Across America, visit https://wreathsacrossamerica.org/ny0303. In addition to the website, wreaths can be sponsored in person at Riga Library, Riga Town Hall, and Village of Churchville offices. The deadline for wreath sponsorship is November 28. For real time updates, go to https://www.facebook.com/WAAChurchvilleCreekside.
Provided information
