SOMERS — The town of Somers, along with towns across the United States, will celebrate National Wreaths Across America Day on Saturday, Dec. 14, however, more than 2,000 wreaths are still needed to be placed on every service member’s grave in all three cemeteries — North, Center and West.
So far, the town has 102 wreaths. Most of the donors are individuals, including members of the Somers Girl Scouts. The Somers Fire Department and two other unidentified groups have made orders for 10 wreaths each for non-restrictive wreath placement.
The Somers Department of Veterans Affairs will have a ceremony at noon at Center Cemetery, 81 Battle St., and wreaths need to be purchased by Nov. 27 to be included for this year.
National Wreaths Across America Day honors veterans and their families by placing wreaths on the graves of fallen heroes and at other significant locations.
Every year, millions of Americans unite to remember those who have fallen, honor the servicemen and women along with their families, and teach the younger generation about the significance of freedom.
This gathering of dedicated volunteers and patriots occurs in local, state, and national cemeteries across all 50 states including the three cemeteries in the town of Somers.
Director David McCaffrey of the Somers Department of Veterans Affairs said, “We have been participating in the Wreaths Across America Day since 2012. We are hopeful to get wreaths to be able to lay on our honored dead from the various services of war and peace times.”
He went on to say, “Every individual who has served our nation carries a narrative about their unique contributions during their service and the significance of that service to them, their families, friends and colleagues.”
McCaffrey is a retired U.S. Navy veteran and was also the post commander of the local Somers American Legion for seven years starting back in 2012. He is also a frequent visitor to the town’s local cemeteries making sure that the veterans’ graves are maintained properly, and the flags are displayed in accordance with established regulations.
“It’s important for the community to remember those that have served their country, and this event is what provides that honor,” said McCaffrey. “We honor our military by keeping their stories alive and ensuring those who are no longer with us are recognized each year through the purchase of wreaths or by donating your time to the Wreaths Across America mission.”
For more information on how to volunteer locally or sponsor a wreath for an American hero, visit wreathsacrossamerica.org/CT0131P — Group Name: Town of Somers Cemeteries.
There is also a second Somers Department of Veterans Affairs link to the Wreaths Across America site: https://tinyurl.com/4veuc256.
