Local communities held Wreaths Across America ceremonies on Saturday to honor veterans.
Lynn-Swampscott Veteran Services held two of these ceremonies, including a Lynn ceremony at Pine Grove Cemetery and a Swampscott ceremony at Swampscott Cemetery. There was also a Marblehead ceremony held in Waterside Cemetery.
The ceremonies occurred on National Wreaths Across America Day, as part of a larger nationwide effort to honor veterans and their sacrifices. There were more than 4,900 participating locations, millions of volunteers, and more than three million sponsored veterans’ wreaths across the country this year, according to the Wreaths Across America Facebook page.
“The purpose of Wreaths Across America is to honor and remember fallen service members, recognize the sacrifice of their families, and teach the value of freedom to the next generation. I think we have done that in Lynn and Swampscott now for the last three years,” Director of Lynn/Swampscott Veterans Services Michael Sweeney said.
Sweeney also discussed how the event has grown over the past few years. “It’s growing every year. We raised enough for 750 wreaths between both communities this year, a 20% increase over last year! We couldn’t have done it without the volunteers and sponsors in both communities. Special thanks to the DPW in Lynn and Swampscott for all their help.”
State Rep. Jenny Armini, who was involved with the Marblehead ceremony, also talked about the importance of Wreaths Across America. “It’s a way for the community to take time during this busy holiday season to focus on what’s important — service, honor, love of country and family,” she said.
Armani also thanked the ceremony’s organizer, Teresa Collins. The event “was unique because [Collins] chose to highlight the inspiring women who have served and continue to serve in our armed forces.”
