When you drive past the cemetery on Royalton Road, take a quick peek at the green wreaths placed at many of the graves. At 12 noon on December 17, dozens of volunteers gathered to place green wreaths with red ribbons on the graves of those men and women who have served in this nation’s military.
Wreaths Across America has grown since 1992 when Morrill Worchester, wreath maker from Maine, had 5000 extra holiday wreaths placed on graves at Arlington Cemetery in tribute to the sacrifices made by the men and women and their families, who served in our nation’s military.
This nationwide organization of volunteers has placed green holiday wreaths on the graves of more than 2.4 million veterans at 3,136 locations in the U.S. at sea, and abroad to honor the lives of men and women who have given service to this nation. Each wreath is sponsored by a $15 donation that individuals and corporate donors make each year. In North Royalton, the AT&T Pioneers Northeast Council mark the graves of veterans from the Revolutionary War to the present whose service and lives are remembered by the wreaths in December.
As in years past, dozens of volunteers gathered at the Veterans Memorial on Royalton Road to place wreaths at the cemetery. On behalf of the mayor and all the council members, Council President Paul Marnecheck greeted the people assembled and called for a moment of silence. Members of the Sons of the American Revolution, Western Reserve Chapter, presented and posted the colors. There was the Pledge of Allegiance and then a wreath was placed in honor of each branch of our military: Army, Navy, Marines, Coast Guard, Air Force, Space Force, Merchant Marines, POW-MIA and to honor all uniformed service members who serve the Public Health Commissioned Corps, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Admin, Commissioned Officer Corp, First Responders, all military, Gold and Blue Star families. Council President Marnecheck reminded everyone how fragile our freedom is by quoting President Ronald Reagan, “Freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction… It must be fought for, protected…” Wreaths Across America seeks to teach everyone, especially the younger generations, that service to our nation needs to be remembered and honored. After the tribute, the volunteers spread out across the cemetery to honor those by speaking their names, placing a wreath, and thanking them for their service. Many volunteers were former military wearing Veterans hats noting their service. Others like Pam Rana, Tina and Samantha Haddock came out to pay tribute. “We have had, and still do have servicemen in our family,” said Pam. “It’s a way to give back, it makes you feel good,” added Tina. The trio had volunteered at the Western Reserve Military Cemetery in the past. “This year we are closer to home.” Two volunteers were there with grandparents, Butch and Connie Mayer. Nicole Mayer and Aubrey Anderson were too little to understand the importance but were there to help with the wreaths, “because it’s good,” said Nicole.
A special thank you to the City of North Royalton Mayor Antoskiewicz, Council President Marnecheck, Council members, Cemetery Sexton Jason Swim; Boy Scout Troop 218;The Sons of the American Revolution, and Rock Solid Transport, LLC, for gathering things together. Thank you for the donation of treasure, time and talent from the AT&T Pioneers, Busch Funeral and Crematory Services, Martin’s Auto Body & Collision, The Harrod Family, South Cuyahoga Sportsmen’s Association and the many Individual contributors who donated money for wreaths. Wreaths Across America is already planning for Saturday, December 16, 2023. When you sponsor a wreath through a sponsorship group, your donation will be matched. Use the website www.wreathsacrossamerica.org/OH0202 Use AT&T Pioneers Northeast Council (OH0202) for this promotion.
By LINDA KWARCIANY
Contributing Writer
