More than 100 people came out Saturday morning to lay holiday wreaths at the graves of veterans in Marblehead cemeteries.
Emily DeJoy, who helped organize the event with Kim Crowley, spoke to the crowd gathered at Waterside Cemetery.
“Our country was founded on the ideals of freedom, justice and equality,” DeJoy said. “We thank those who sacrificed to keep those ideals alive, and we will not forget them today. We especially reflect on our veterans, those who have stepped forward to protect the innocent and defend freedom around the world.”
She added: “To those here who have served, thank you. We are honored to stand with you. We also recognize the men and women serving right now, at home and around the globe as part of the best trained, best equipped force in the world, we honor them and their families for their sacrifices they make each day. President Ronald Reagan once said, ‘Freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction. It must be fought for, protected and handed on,’ and that is why we gather here today, united in gratitude and respect as we remember the fallen honor those who serve and teach the next generation the value of freedom.”
DeJoy and Crowley helped raise $42,500 for 2,700 wreaths this year, breaking their own goal.
Frankie Smith and her daughter, Lulu, 6, came to lay wreaths Saturday morning.
“We want to honor our veterans,” Frankie said. “And I want to teach my children.”
This was Peter Wilkens’ first time participating in Wreaths Across America, although his wife has done it for years.
“We owe it to your veterans,” said Wilkens, who added that he worked with the military for many years in the aero-space sector.
Glover’s Regiment was there and fired three rounds in honor of Marblehead’s veterans.
Editor Leigh Blander is an experienced TV, radio and print journalist.
