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Wreaths Across America comes to Belvidere
ANNE EICKSTADT PHOTO Belvidere Republican
Volunteers placed wreaths on the headstones of every military veteran in Belvidere Cemetery to honor our fallen during the Wreaths Across America ceremony.
On Saturday, Dec. 17 at 11 a.m., people, in uniform and out, filled the Pettit Chapel for an opening ceremony for National Wreaths Across America Day.
Laura Przybylski began the ceremony. “Welcome, thank you for joining us here today as we celebrate the mission to remember the fallen. Honor those that serve and their families and teach the next generation the value of freedom.
“We ask that to start the event, you all please join with me in a moment of silence to remember the fallen, prisoners of war, those missing in action, and honor those who have served and are serving this great nation’s armed services.”
Then the Color Guard, led by Boone Post 77 American Legion and VFW Post #1461 marched down the central aisle and posted the Colors. Girl Scout Troop #870 led everyone in the Pledge of Allegiance, and Michelle Brown, Boone Post #77 American Legion Auxiliary Chaplain led the invocation.
Lindsay Rushakoff began the opening remarks. “Thank you all for joining us here today. This year, across the country at more than 3400 participating locations like this one, there are millions of Americans gathering safely as one nation to Remember, Honor, and Teach.
“We are all proud to be Americans that live in a free society made up of many people from many walks of life. The freedoms we enjoy today have not come without a price. Lying here before us and in cemeteries throughout this nation are men and women who gave their lives so that we can live in freedom and without fear. We can worship as we see fit. We can raise our children to believe as we do. We are free to vote for the leaders of our choosing. And, we have the right to succeed and we have the right to fail at whatever endeavor we wish to pursue.”
Speaker Christina Conway took her turn at the podium. “The United States of America was founded on the ideals of Freedom, Justice, and Equality. Our nation stands as a shining beacon of liberty and freedom to the world. We thank those who gave their lives to keep us free and we shall not forget you. We shall remember.
“Today, more than ever, we reflect on our nation’s Veterans and active-duty service members who have and continue to fight to protect the innocent and oppressed. This nation has always been the first to stand up for the freedom of people from around the world. Many of you here today have answered that call and served your country well. For this we say, ‘Thank you’ and we are honored to know you.”
Dory Curnayn took the podium next. “There are many men and women serving today in all branches of the military, here at home and in places far away, that most of us have never heard of. These men and women are part of the best-trained, best-equipped force in the world. We honor them and their families for the sacrifices they make each day to keep our country safe from terrorism, hatred, and injustice.
“Today, we show a united front of gratitude and respect across the United States of America as we remember the fallen, honor those who serve and their families, and teach the next generation the value of freedom.
“The memorial wreaths you see placed here are remembrance wreaths in honor of the 93,129 United States servicemen from all branches of the service who last known status was either Prisoners of War or Missing in Action. These individuals have never returned to their families or home. We shall not forget you.”
Sam Larson of the Belvidere Cemetery Association – Deborah Loos, Attorney at Law, and Geno Kuhnwald – Boone Post #77 American Legion Commander all said a few words for the occasion and then Laura Przybylski added the closing remarks.
“We encourage every volunteer here today who places a wreath on a Veteran’s grave to say that Veteran’s name aloud and take a moment to thank them for their service to our country. It’s a small act that goes a long way toward keeping the memory of our Veterans alive. Remember, we are not here today to “decorate graves.” We are here to remember, not their deaths, but their lives. Each wreath is a gift of appreciation from a grateful America.
“These live balsam fir wreaths symbolize our honor to those who have served in the Armed Forces of our great nation and to their families who endure sacrifices every day on our behalf. To our children, we want you to understand that the freedoms you enjoy today have come with a cost that someday, you may have to pay yourself.
“As a nation standing together, we can defeat terrorism, hatred, and injustice. Thanks to our Veterans, we have the freedom to do just that. Please join us now in a song for our Veterans, originally written to honor soldiers who longed to be home for Christmas.”
Everyone joined n with “I’ll be Home for Christmas,” a benediction was offered by ASA Cottrell Chapter NSDAR Chaplain Teresa Beach-Shelow, and TAPS played.
Attendees then went outside, gathered wreaths, and began laying them, with all due ceremony, at the headstones of Veterans buried in Belvidere Cemetery.
About Wreaths Across America:
In 2007, Morrill Worester was inspired to create Wreaths Across America, a not-for-profit organization dedicated to helping families honor their loved ones by sending wreaths to cemeteries, monuments, and state houses across the country, and sponsoring National Remembrance ceremonies. Emulating the Arlington Project at the local level, WAA is funded with sponsorships from people like you. One day, every Veterans’ resting place will be adorned with a wreath. We need your help to make this dream a reality.
Each year, millions of Americans come together to remember the fallen, honor those that sere and their families, and teach the next generation about the value of freedom. This gathering of volunteers and patriots takes place in local and national cemeteries in all 50 states – most recently at more than 2500 participating locations – as part of National Wreaths Across America Day. Each year a new theme is chosen to help volunteers and supporters focus their messaging and outreach in their own communities.
