ANSONIA/DERBY — Remember the fallen. Honor those who serve. Teach our children the value of freedom.
That is the motto and mission of the national, nonprofit Wreaths Across America Wreaths Across America project. The event, which happens every December, features people placing wreaths at the graves of veterans across the country- most notably at Arlington National Cemetery- as well as at more than 2,500 federal and state veterans’ cemeteries and memorials across the country, at sea and abroad.
This year’s Wreaths Across America Day is happening on Dec. 19, and for the first time, a ceremony is taking place right here in the Valley. The event is scheduled for noon Saturday (DEC. 19) at St. Michael’s Cemetery, located on Silver Hill Road, and will feature Ansonia Mayor David Cassetti and Derby Mayor Rich Dziekan, along with several Valley veterans and local dignitaries.
Catholic War Veterans Post 1562 Auxiliary President Pauline Totaro is the local site coordinator for Wreaths Across America, and is thrilled Valley folks can experience the event firsthand.
“This is the first time the official ceremony will be held in the Valley,” Totaro said. “Those attending will be able to participate in the Wreaths Across America ceremony and wreath laying which is held nationwide and some worldwide sites as seen at Arlington Cemetery. Six ceremonial wreaths will be placed to honor each branch of the service; a wreath for POW’s and then after the ceremony, we have 370 wreaths that have been bought by people on the website, which will be laid on the veterans’ graves.”
Totaro said her son, a U.S. Army veteran that participates in the annual ceremony at Arlington, inspired her to bring the national event to the Valley.
“I strongly believe it is important to honor the veterans,” Totaro said. “I am doing this in my son’s honor, as well as remembering all veterans- living and deceased- who have given so much for our country. Actually, it’s also to honor the families who do not get the recognition they deserve when a loved one is serving in the military.”
Saturday’s ceremony is sponsored by The Catholic War Veterans Post 1562 and Auxiliary and Assumption School, where Totaro serves as parish facility director.
Connecticut native and journalist Andrea McCarren, and chief content officer for PenFed Digital (a partner with Wreaths Across America) is part of the convoy of vehicles delivering the wreaths across the country. She is traveling with volunteers and veterans, bringing their stories to all Americans digitally.
“I am honored to join the Wreaths Across America convoy and tell the stories of our nation’s heroes,” McCarren said in an email to the Valley Indy. “It’s more important now than ever that we support the military members and families who sacrifice so much, especially during these uncertain times. I have the pleasure of working with incredible Gold Star families, veterans and volunteers on this journey. My hope is to bring their stories of inspiration and resilience to all Americans, so that everyone can join us in carrying out Wreaths Across America’s mission to remember, honor and teach.”
