Local communities honored veterans during the holiday season by holding their annual Wreaths Across America ceremonies on Saturday.
Wreaths Across America gathers wreaths purchased by donors across the country, while local volunteers place them on the graves of fallen military members as a symbol of remembrance and respect.
More than 650 wreaths were collected between Lynn and Swampscott, while approximately 2,700 wreaths were gathered in Marblehead. The Lynn event took place at Pine Grove Cemetery, the Swampscott event took place at Swampscott Cemetery, and the Marblehead event took place at Waterside Cemetery.
The ceremony in Lynn and Swampscott was organized by Lynn/Swampscott Veterans’ Service Director Mike Sweeney and Deputy Secretary of the Massachusetts Executive Office of Veterans Services Andrea Gayle Bennett. Meanwhile, the Marblehead event was organized by Kim Crowley and Emily DeJoy, longtime residents with family ties to the military.
DeJoy said, “Wreaths Across America is a powerful reminder to our local veterans, and to their families, that they are never forgotten. Each wreath placed is more than a symbol; it represents gratitude, respect, and a promise from our community to remember the lives and sacrifices of those who served.”
She added, “Seeing neighbors of all ages come together to speak a veteran’s name and say thank you is incredibly meaningful, and it reinforces that their service continues to matter here in Marblehead, today and always.”
Sweeney spoke about the emotional impact of Wreaths Across America in Lynn and Swampscott.
“Every year, we have new volunteers. They’re proud to be a part of it. People come out for the first time and lay a wreath on the grave of a loved one or a veteran they’ve never met,” Sweeney said. “It’s one of those nice ceremonies that includes the veterans, the community, the youth, (and) it’s just a really incredible moment.”
He also gave insight on how wreaths are used as a powerful tool of remembrance for veterans in the winter months.
“When you see the wreaths out there, it looks beautiful. It’s a visual reminder. It makes people pause and remember,” Sweeney said.
He added, “It’s a visual indication of that sense of community and support that we hope veterans and military service members would have all the time.”
Sweeney commended the efforts of Lynn and Swampscott sponsors and partners, Lynn Veterans Council, Lynn DPW, Swampscott Rotary, VFW Post 1240, Swampscott DPW, and Will Torres of the Swampscott Cemetery for bringing everything together.
“We could not do it without them. When the cemeteries look nice, that doesn’t happen by accident,” Sweeney said.
