Saturday, December 17, marked Riga’s third year participating in National Wreaths Across America Day. The day’s events started at Riga Cemetery at 11 a.m. Shaun Smith, his daughter Macey, and Girl Scout Troop 60487 performed a ceremony and presented the eight ceremonial wreaths. Ben Wermuth rounded out the ceremony by playing Taps. At the conclusion, 95 wreaths were laid in honor of the veterans buried there, some dating back to the Revolutionary War.
The event moved to Creekside Cemetery at noon for a ceremony delivered by Harvey C. Noone Post 954 Post Commander and retired Army Colonel Ken Juergens. The ceremonial wreaths were presented by active duty military members and Girl Scout Troop 60487. Mae Ennis performed a rendition of “A Soldier’s Christmas Gift” that touched the hearts of many in attendance. Taps was played by Adam Sargent and Robert Wilkinson to conclude this ceremony.
A total of 489 wreaths were placed by the many community members who came out. When a volunteer places a wreath on a veteran’s grave on National Wreaths Across America Day, they are encouraged to speak that veteran’s name aloud, thank them for their service and sacrifice, and reflect on that person and their life.
Many came out to volunteer, including John Hartman, Steve Brew, cub scouts, Iron Infantry VMC, North Atlantic States Regional Council of Carpenters, and post members. The entire community came together to make this a successful event at both Riga cemeteries. Event sponsors were Mission BBQ, Waste Management, and Wegmans.
Mark your calendars for the next Wreaths Across America Day on December 16, 2023. The help make 2023 successful, all wreath purchases made at http://wreathsacrossamerica.org/ny0303 will be matched by Wreaths Across America until January 15.
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