The custom of laying a wreath in remembrance of fallen heroes is centuries old. Wreaths Across America continues this tradition on the third Saturday in December. In 1992 the Worcester family in Maine had a surplus of holiday wreaths from their evergreen farm. Mr. Morrill Worcester arranged for the extra wreaths to be placed in Arlington National Cemetery in an area that had few visitors to honor the sacrifices of those whose resting places are marked with a white stone. What began as one family’s gesture of remembrance has become Wreaths Across America. It now has over 1300+ participating locations nationwide, in all 50 states, and 24 US cemeteries in foreign lands, most recently in Normandy, France.
Wreaths Across America’s purpose is to Remember that the freedom we enjoy is not free. Honor those that have served this nation; those who have given the last full measure and, those veterans who fulfilled their service, came home, went to work, and passed the blessings of freedom to their families. Teach younger generations that the freedoms we enjoy were purchased by veterans and their families. On December 9, the grave sites of over 450 men and women who have served our nation from the French and Indian War to the present whose remains rest in North Royalton Cemetery were marked by orange ATT utility flags placed by ATT Pioneers service organization that spearheads Wreaths Across America.
The orange flags were replaced by green wreaths on Saturday, December 16. At noon, President of Council Paul Marnecheck welcomed all the volunteers and guests at the Veterans’ Memorial on Royalton Road. After the colors were posted, a volley salute was offered. Marnecheck remarked that these wreaths were not Christmas decorations but wreaths of remembrance and tribute. A wreath was placed for each branch of service: Army, Navy, Marines, Coast Guard, Air Force, Merchant Marine (WWII), Space Force, POW-MIA, Blue Star and Gold Star families. Paul Marnecheck quoted Ronald Reagan, “Freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction. We didn’t pass it to our children in the bloodstream. It must be fought for, protected… or it will be lost.” Wally Ohler, North Royalton Veteran’s Liaison, thanked everyone for their support of current service members and veterans. The volunteers were given instructions by ATT Pioneer coordinator, Courtney Abbe, on where the wreaths and stands were located for placement on the graves. Council Women Linda Barath, Joanne Krejci, and Heidi Webber, walked with all the other volunteers to get the wreaths.
As the volunteers spread out, there was an orange flag next to a tiny worn white stone. Vincent Beets, Patrick O’Malley, David Visocky, Boy Scouts from troop 218, were amazed that this stone was only identified by a green copper star that just said, “Soldier 1861-1865,” no name was visible. Had the name been wiped away in 150 years or was this an unknown from an Ohio regiment that found rest here? Hugh Kerr and his daughter, Anne McIntosh, placed the wreath on this tiny marker. “We have gone to the national cemetery in Ritman for many years,” commented Hugh, “Now we come here. We were in Beaufort SC once, that’s where the African American soldiers from the Massachusetts 54th are buried in a mass grave. That was a very moving experience.” Janet Pavlic wore a bright red Honor T-shirt. Janet says she has, “been a wreath volunteer for many years at Arlington and Ritman.” She stops to read the name of the veteran and thanks them for their service before moving on to brush away the leaves from the next grave marked with an ATT flag. After the wreaths were placed, you can see areas of many wreaths clustered together marking a generation that has passed on.
When you drive past the North Royalton Cemetery, take a quick note of all the identical green wreaths placed there. Perhaps contemplate what you can do for your country to pay it forward for the blessings of freedom. Wreaths Across America, a 501(c) 3 charity, is already planning for 2024. To learn more about the program and to donate, go to www.wreathsacrossamerica.org

By LINDA KWARCIANY
Contributing Writer