Celebrating and Acknowledging our Veterans and Service Members

By: Don Jarvis – Oct. 2017

jarviscoverFor the third year in a row Preserving Newbury is hosting Wreaths Across America in Newbury, Massachusetts. Wreaths Across America is a national nonprofit organization founded in 2007, which continues to expand their annual wreath-laying ceremony. The wreath laying ceremony began at Arlington National Cemetery and now stretches to cemeteries across our great country. The program was founded by a Maine businessman, Morrill Worcester and in 2014 Wreaths Across America provided each and every headstone at Arlington National Cemetery a wreath – 227,000 wreaths in total.

This year, Preserving Newbury’s goal is to provide a wreath for each and every Veteran grave within the town’s limit – 600 wreaths in total. It’s a lofty goal! And I know we can do it!

Preserving Newbury recognizes Veterans’ Day in the fall and Memorial Day in the spring. However, our Servicemembers sacrifice their time and safety every single day of the year to preserve our freedom. In many homes across the United States, there sits an empty seat for a loved one who is serving, or a loved one who made the ultimate sacrifice for our country. This is why our mission to Remember, Honor and Teach, every single day. Throughout the year, Preserving Newbury works in numerous ways, on multiple projects to show our Veterans and their families that they are never forgotten and we appreciate their service.

The wreath laying ceremony often moves, touches and inspires the people who bear witness to it. When a volunteer places a wreath on a Veteran’s grave, we encourage them to speak that Veteran’s name aloud, and thank them for their service and sacrifice. The feeling of acknowledgement and appreciation is palpable. In Newbury, we have Veterans who have served in nearly every war and conflict that the United States has been part of — from American Revolutionary War to the current conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan. Our goal is that each and every Veteran, Servicemember, and their loved ones experience honor and appreciation during this ceremony.

Stretched amongst seven burying grounds and cemeteries — there are 600 veterans and one resting place of an unknown civil war soldier. Newbury was founded in 1635, and a number of Newbury Veterans served and played a critical role in the American Revolutionary War and the founding of our country. Newbury Servicemembers continue to lead by example in their past or current service. As military members, their individual and group contributions have created a proud history for the citizens of Newbury. Our aim is to celebrate that history that so many have given their lives for.

Today, there is an opportunity to be a part of something that is bigger than any individual, family or community. Imagine that your donation of a wreath is one in an ocean of 600 wreaths that help us remember, honor, and teach. You become part of that honor when you donate one or more wreaths.
The wreaths and accompanying ceremony allows our Veterans to live in our hearts and minds. It also reminds us of the humble fact of how much family members miss their loved ones who were lost or have passed.

We honor their spirit, as well as, the spirit of all current and past Servicemembers. And finally, we teach our community and next generation that kindness of heart and honor are characteristics that can be brought forth anytime. For only $15, you can sponsor a Veteran’s Wreath that truly honors and memorializes those who served our country.

Purchase one today at www.NewburyWreaths.com. Thank you and God Bless America.