DERBY – Members of the Catholic War Veterans Post 1562 have honored our fallen veterans at Saint Michael’s Cemetery in Derby by placing a wreath upon their grave over the past five years. In 2020 we placed 720 wreaths and in 2024 we place 820. Each year the numbers and costs have increased. We are reaching out for sponsors to help offset some of these costs by purchasing a wreath for $17 or possibly as many as 100 wreaths.
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Last year over 200 people attended the ceremony and helped to lay the wreaths upon the gravesites, many who were members of their family. The ceremony is sponsored by the CWV Post 1562. A naval officer is the emcee and the Barque Eagle Sea Cadets present the colors and serve as the honor guard. The Magnificent Brass Band plays the patriotic tunes and renders taps after a twenty-one gun salute. The solemn ceremony begins at noon each year to align with the one being held at the Arlington National Cemetery in Washington DC and others around the country.
Afterwards everyone is invited back to the CWV Post 1562 for refreshments and light lunch. There is coffee, hot chocolate and donuts donated for everyone in attendance at the cemetery during the services. Monetary donations, gift cards or refreshments are appreciated. If you wish to volunteer or have any questions, please contact me at 203-996-3665.
This year’s ceremony will be held at 12 noon on Saturday, December 13, 2025 at the St. Michael’s Cemetery in Derby.