HORTONVILE, NY — It was all hands on deck as the local Wreaths Across America organization presented its second annual event honoring America’s military. Eight ceremonial wreaths were displayed at a local firehouse on Saturday, followed by the placing of fresh balsam wreaths at the headstones of fallen service members in area cemeteries.

Last year, Allan Milk VFW Post 7276 of Long Eddy laid 235 wreaths in more than 14 public and private cemeteries. This year they relocated to the Hortonville Volunteer Fire Company’s fire station, and distributed nearly 1,000 wreaths at 20 locations.

Wreaths Across America (WAA) was founded in 2007 to continue and expand the annual wreath-laying ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery, started by Maine wreath maker Morrill Worchester in 1992.

In her opening remarks, Amber Sullivan, president of the Allan Milk VFW Auxiliary, asked attendees to share a moment of silence to “remember the fallen, prisoners of war and those missing in action; and honor those who have served and are serving this great nation’s armed services.”  

Many cried softly in remembrance during the moving ceremony, which featured a color guard composed of members of the local VFW Post and Marine Corps League.

Following the invocation by Father John Kennady, members of the Small-Town County 4-H led the gathering in the Pledge of Allegiance. Maci Berlinger, a nine-year-old student at Hancock Elementary, then led the group in singing the National Anthem.

All branches honored

The solemn wreath-laying represented the varied branches of the United States military. It was conducted inside the firehouse by Sgt. John Hughes (U.S. Army), Lance Cpl. (retired) Dana Young (U.S. Marine Corps), Chief Warrant Officer Peter Grab (U.S. Navy), Airman First Class Erik Kratz (U.S. Air Force), Master Sgt. (retired) Doc Bolduc (U.S. Space Force), Petty Officer ES Mark Herbert (U.S. Coast Guard), Lt. Paul Slavik from the Sullivan County Sheriff’s Office, retired Petty Officer (U.S. Merchant Marines), and Vietnam veteran U.S. Army Cpl. Bruce Pesci, Commander of VFW Post 7276. 

The ceremony was held in honor of the 81,600 U.S. servicemembers from all branches of the service, whose last known status was either as Prisoners of War or as Missing in Action. 

“These individuals have never returned to their families and homes,” Sullivan said. “We shall never forget you.”

NYS Assemblyman Joseph Angelino, 121st Assembly District, served three combat infantry tours with Fox Company, 2nd Battalion, 25th U.S. Marines, helping to liberate Kuwait. He saw action in Iraq and retired after “23 years, eight months and two days,” he said.

“It was an honor to serve the country,” he continued. “As the young lady was singing the National Anthem, I remember that Francis Scott Key could see the flag still waving, when the bombs burst, and you might be able to catch a glance.”

He said our National Anthem ends with a question mark: “Is that flag still flying? Can you see the Stars and Stripes?” 

“We will never forget,” he said. “Make sure that veterans live on forever.” 

‘Say that veteran’s name’

After the wreath presentations, Sullivan West High School student Isabella Passante led the crowd in singing “God Bless America,” a rendition that moved many to tears.

The indoor portion of the event closed with a benediction by Father John, and taps played by veteran Robert Lepee and Henry Simon, the latter a student at Sullivan West.

As the assemblage dispersed to the cemeteries, Sullivan encouraged each wreath-laying volunteer “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 their memory of our veterans live… each wreath is a gift of appreciation from a grateful America.”

Next year’s celebration of Wreaths Across America (WAA) will be held on Saturday, December 14, 2024, at a local location to be determined. 

Sponsoring a wreath costs $17, and the WAA national headquarters will match the cost from now through Tuesday, January 16, 2024, for placement during WAA Day next year.