By Michele Taranto

                                           Above, Norwood Coordinator Andrea Reed

The holidays are a time to rejoice, but also a time for remembrance. Norwood residents do not forget and demonstrate their sincere appreciation in December to those who sacrificed in the fifth year of Wreaths Across America. This national movement pays tribute to fallen veterans and 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. This is done by placing wreaths on local service men and women’s graves at Highland and Old Parish Cemeteries. This expression is in coordination with wreath-laying ceremonies with Arlington National Cemetery and more than 1,600 locations across 50 states in the United States.

The event will take place on Saturday, Dec, 17, 12 noon, Highland Cemetery. Volunteers and visitors are encouraged to arrive between 11:30 and 11:45 a.m., as the minute of silence across Norwood America and islands begins at 12 noon. Currently scheduled to speak at this moving ceremony:

Ted Mulvehill, Director of Norwood Veteran Services

CEO (Stacy Coyne) and Founder/President (veteran Dave Campisano) of 22Mohawks, a non-profit that brings awareness to veteran suicide, creates events to bring veterans, their families, and communities together, and have a new partnership with Professional Canine Services to connect disabled veterans with companions rescued from kill shelters.

George Curtis, (son of MGYST George Curtis, Highland Cemetery’s most highly decorated veteran), Norwood Historical Society-Veteran history in Norwood

Others planned but not confirmed at press time

Norwood donations have steadily supported this event the past four years and local coordinator Andrea Reed is again counting on the community and local town municipalities and employees for their support in 2022. Reed, her volunteers, and corporate sponsor Ecolab are hoping to again reach last year’s number of 400 wreaths. Wreaths are 100% donation based and can be purchased by visiting www.wreathsacrossamerica.org/pages/158150/overview/?relatedId=0, click on the Red sponsor button. This program thrives on generosity. This year, Walsh Construction has already donated an impressive 100 wreaths for the Highland and Old Parish Cemeteries. This figure is a great launch to hopefully beat the approximately 400 wreaths placed in 2021. An individual wreath sponsorship is $15, 2 for $30, 5 for $75, or 10 for $150. 

“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.

Reed also welcomes any volunteers interested to personally join in the sentimental occasion through 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,” Reed said.

Wreaths Across America is a venue to not only pay tribute to this country’s military but an opportunity to pause and reflect on the meaning of holidays, and honoring those who have sacrificed so U.S. 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 every day heroes and walk among us every day. This even, for me, is one way that I am able 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.