PHOTOS BY JESSE DAVIS / THE VILLAGE REPORTER
WE SHALL NOT FORGET YOU … After the Wreaths Across America ceremony at Swanton Cemetery on Saturday, Georgia Notman places a wreath on the headstone of her father, U.S. Air Force veteran Guy Notman. Participants placed wreaths on the headstones of all veterans, marked out in advance.
SALUTING THE POWS … Larry Klump salutes after placing the wreath for prisoners of war during a Wreaths Across America ceremony at Swanton Cemetery on Saturday. Wreaths were also placed recognizing veterans of the Army, Marine Corps, Navy, Air Force, Space Force, Coast Guard, and Merchant Marines.
By: Jesse Davis
THE VILLAGE REPORTER
jesse@thevillagereporter.com
More than 50 people braved the wind and cold on Saturday to participate in the national Wreaths Across America program, recognizing veterans laid to rest in Swanton Cemetery.
Ron Wilson, former commander of American Legion Murbach-Siefert Post #479, said that millions of Americans at more than 5,900 locations participating in Wreaths Across America, as well as U.S. territories and 26 American cemeteries overseas, were fulfilling a promise to “honor our heroes, wherever they rest.”
“We are all proud to be Americans that live in a free society made up of many people from many walks of life,” Wilson said.
“The freedoms we enjoy today have not come without a price. Lying here before us and in cemeteries throughout this nation are men and women who gave their lives so that we could live in freedom and without fear.
“We can worship as we see fit. We can raise our children to believe as we do. We are free to vote for leaders of our choosing, and we have the right to succeed and have the right to fail at whatever endeavor we wish to pursue.
He said the United States was founded on freedom, justice, and equality, and that it “stands as a shining beacon of liberty and freedom to the world” and is the “first to stand up for the freedom of people around the world.”
The people being honored that day, he said, fought to protect the innocent and oppressed from terrorism, hatred, and injustice.
Swanton Mayor Neil Toeppe also spoke. Toeppe is an Air Force veteran and has been an American Legion member – including past service as a commander – for 43 years.
“During that time, I’ve come to appreciate the deep camaraderie that exists among all who have worn the uniform. We may not have served together, but we served for the same purpose – to protect our nation and to stand up for one another. Regardless of branch or rank, that bond is unbreakable.”
Toeppe went on to remind attendees to remember not only the fallen, but the living veterans who struggle with unseen issues like PTSD or the lasting effects of Agent Orange.
“Each wreath we place today represents a life, a story of courage, service, and sacrifice. These wreaths remind us that freedom isn’t free,” Toeppe said.
The ceremony included wreaths placed for veterans of the Army, Marine Corps, Navy, Air Force, Space Force, Coast Guard, Merchant Marines, and prisoners of war. An honor guard from the Springfield High School ROTC posted the U.S. and Ohio flags.
Wreaths were placed on stands to honor veterans of the Army, Marine Corps, Navy, Air Force, Space Force, Coast Guard, and Merchant Marines, as well as one for prisoners of war.
Wilson said there are 80,000 servicemen from all branches whose last known status was prisoner of war or missing in action who were never returned to their families or homes. “We shall not forget you,” Wilson said.
After the ceremony, participants collected wreaths from boxes set throughout the cemetery to place them on veterans’ headstones.
A Scouting America troop present for the ceremony departed to place wreaths at the Swanton Township Cemetery, while another group of volunteers traveled to St. Richard’s Cemetery to place wreaths there.
The roots of Wreaths Across America go back to 1992, when, according to the organization’s website, Morrill Worcester, the owner of Worcester Wreath Company of Harrington, Maine, found himself with a surplus of wreaths and made arrangements for them to be placed at Arlington National Cemetery.
His efforts continued through the years until the non-profit organization was founded in 2007, with national participation continuing ever since.
For more information on Wreaths Across America, visit www.wreathsacrossamerica.org.