Wakefield Wreaths Across America Returns To Honor Veterans

WAKEFIELD, MA — Wakefield will look to honor is veterans this weekend with the return of its annual Wreaths Across America program, the town announced on Monday.

The program is set for Saturday, Dec. 17 at 12 p.m. at Forest Glade Cemetery in town. It will see members of the public help place 430 wreaths on veteran headstones at Forest Glade.

Wakefield programming is part of national Wreaths Across America plans for 2022, with 3,679 total locations nationwide and 26 American cemeteries overseas set to participate in coordinated ceremonies this weekend, as noted by the town of Wakefield.

Officials on Monday said organizers need volunteers interested in helping place wreaths.

Kicking off at 12 p.m., this weekend’s ceremony will include the Pledge of Allegiance, an invocation from Fr, Thomas Reilly of St. Florence Parish and remarks from guest speaker Jay Pinette USMC (Ret).

Wakefield Memorial High School students Lilah Hathaway and Caroline Dill will perform "Taps."

Members of the Veterans Advisory Board, likewise, will be on hand to help volunteers place wreaths correctly.

Officials this week described Wreaths Across America’s mission as being to remember veterans’ sacrifices, “honor their service, and teach the next generation about the value of freedom.”

Community members seeking more information can visit the Wreaths Across America website or reach out by email to the Wakefield Veterans Advisory Board at veteranadvisoryboard@wakefield.ma.us.

Community members can also call Wakefield’s Veterans Service Officer Dave Mangan at 781-246-6377.