By Bella Caggiano

The residents of Norwood do not forget. Now in its fourth year, the Town is paying tribute to fallen veterans through Wreaths Across America, a national movement to honor those who are often forgotten. The mission is to REMEMBER fallen U.S. Veterans, HONOR those who serve, and TEACH your children the value of freedom by coordinating wreath-laying ceremonies with Arlington National Cemetery. More than 1,600 locations in all 50 U.S. states participate.

Norwood donations have steadily supported this event each year and local coordinator Andrea Reed is turning to the local community again to assist with funding to place wreaths of local service men and women’s graves at Highland and Old Parish Cemeteries. 

“Norwood has such a wonderful history and part of that includes the men and women who sacrificed so that we can have the way of life that we enjoy today,” Reed said. “Every year, we show a united front of national unity across the USA as we remember the fallen, honor those who serve, and teach our children the value of freedom.  We also remember and honor those who are prisoners of war or missing in action.  Our freedoms and way of life are protected by those who are willing to serve and protect.  As my brother noted, ‘When you are in the military, you may not feel or understand how important your service is… being able to defend the country and protect the people back home is a great responsibility and it’s a great honor.’” 

The event will take place on Saturday, Dec. 18, 12 noon, at Highland Cemetery. As in previous years, this moving presentation will also include guest speakers and performances. This season, TSgt Troy McCourt (US Airforce) will be inviting the Honor Guard from Hanscom Airforce Base and  Army veteran Shane Matlock (2004-2014) will talk about his new career and transition into a restaurant owner. 

For the past three years, local and corporate donations have been impressive. In 2018, 128 were donated, 195 in 2019, and in 2020, an incredible 1,125 were presented for the occasion. 

Ecolab, Reed’s employer, has graciously supported this event since its inception. With Covid restrictions last year, Norwood was the only local location participating in the event, and Ecolab gave their full $15,000 allocated funds for Wreaths Across America to Norwood! 

“It was an amazing gift!” Reed said. “This equated to 1,029 of the total 1,125 wreaths donated.” 

This program thrives on generous donations. Handmade wreaths are $15, $30 for two, $75 for three, or $150 for ten wreaths. To sponsor a wreath, visit www.wreathsacrossamerica.org, click on the red box that says sponsor wreaths, scroll to the bottom and choose monthly sponsorship, in honor or memory of, or you can donate to a specific gravesite.

“We are always looking for donations as this is all based on the generosity of those willing to donate for wreaths to honor the veterans,” Reed said.

Volunteers are welcome to join in the event and Reed encourages any local resident to join in the experience.

I would love to have any donations and participation.  It is always an amazing experience and I love hearing about the impact on the volunteers each year as everyone shares how meaningful it was to be there.

Wreaths Across America is a true venue to not only tribute this country’s military but an opportunity to pause and reflect on the meaning of holidays and remembering and honoring those who have given so much so citizens can celebrate with family and friends.

“Throughout the years of meeting veterans, volunteering for this and other events, I have heard so many amazing stories and yet, the remarkable people telling the stories are so humble,” Reed said. “I cannot express how grateful I am that they take the time to share those stories with me as I am always so amazed and honored to be in their presence. They are everyday heroes and walk among us every day.  This event, for me, is one way that I can give back and appreciate those who came before me as they have paved the way for my children to enjoy the freedoms of today.

For more information on Wreaths Across America or to donate, visit www.wreathsacrossamerica.org.