Veteran wreaths seek to ‘remember, honor and teach’

Community members offered their time and effort to honor veterans and their sacrifices at several cemeteries across the Olympic Peninsula on National Wreaths Across America Day — including about 75 men, women and children at Sequim View Cemetery — on Dec. 16.

“The United States of America was founded on these ideals of freedom, justice and equity … (and) our nations stands as a shining beacon of liberty and freedom to the world,” said Rod Lee, Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 6787 in Carlsborg.

“We thank those who gave their lives to keep us free and we shall not forget you; you shall be remembered.

“Today, more than ever, we reflect on our nation’s veterans and active duty service members who have to continue to fight to protect in the innocent and oppressed.”

Sequim Gazette photo by Michael Dashiell / Rod Lee, Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 6787 Commander in Carlsborg, offers his thoughts on freedom and the sacrifices military veterans have made to ensure that freedom at a wreath-laying ceremony at Sequim View Cemetery on Dec. 16.

Coordinated and led by the Michael Trebert chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR), and sponsorship groups Dungeness Composite Civil Air Patrol and Port Angeles High School NJROTC, local groups raised funds throughout the year to sponsor the placement of 2,411 veterans’ wreaths at 14 locations from Gardiner Community Cemetery to Forks Cemetery.

This is the fourth year of Wreaths Across America on the Olympic Peninsula. The 22-inch live balsam wreaths from the State of Maine will be placed on the headstones of local fallen service members laid to rest at 14 locations across the region.

Sequim Gazette photo by Michael Dashiell / Melody Albertson, Michal Trebert Chapter DAR chaplain, lays a wreath on a veteran’s grave marker at a special wreath-laying ceremony held Dec. 16 at Sequim View Cemetery.

After a remembrance wreath is placed by the public, the veteran’s name is said out loud and thanked for their service.

“This annual event seeks to further the yearling mission to Remember the fallen, Honor those serve, and Teach the next generation the value of freedom, ensuring that the memory of those who served our country endures,” organizers said.

Official Wreaths Across America Day ceremonies were held at Mount Angeles Memorial Park Cemetery in Port Angeles and Forks Cemetery on Dec. 16, with ceremonies held at Sequim View, Dungeness, Gardiner Community (Gardiner) and Blue Mountain (Port Angeles) cemeteries.

Sequim Gazette photo by Michael Dashiell / BSA Troop 90 scours Aaron Wallen plays “Taps” at a ceremony honoring veterans at Sequim View Cemetery on Dec. 16.

At Sequim View Cemetery, BSA Troop 90 led the ceremony with Senior Patrol Leader Kayden Disinski presiding. Sequim High School students performed the National Anthem and Aaron Wallen, BSA Troop 90 past Senior Patrol Leader, played “Taps.”

Following remarks, Lee’s address and Melody Albertson’s prayer, attendees helped place wreaths on dozens of grave markers across the cemetery, pre-marked thanks to help from Sequim Sunrise Rotary members.

Sequim Gazette photo by Michael Dashiell / Sequim High School choir members sing the National Anthem at a special wreath-laying ceremony held Dec. 16 at Sequim View Cemetery.

“This nation has always been the first to stand up for people from around the world,” Lee said in his remarks.

“Many of you here today have answered that call and served your country well. For this we say thank you and we are honored to know you.

“There are many men and women today serving in all branches of the military here at home and places far away that most of us have never even heard of. We honor them and their families; for their sacrifices they make each day to keep our nation safe from terrorism, hatred and injustice.”

Sequim Gazette photo by Michael Dashiell / Dozens of community members turn out to place balsam wreaths on grave markers at Sequim View Cemetery on Dec. 16.

Private events were also scheduled at Jamestown S’Klallam Cemetery in Jamestown Pioneer Memorial Park in Sequim, Zaccardo Family Cemetery in Blyn, and Oceanview Cemetery in Port Angeles.