Neighbor News
New Pond Village Brings Wreaths Across America to Walpole
Veterans and associates lay 150+ wreaths in ceremony
Residents and associates of New Pond Village, a continuing care retirement community in Walpole, Mass., led a wreath-laying ceremony this morning at the town’s Terrace Hill Cemetery, an official Wreaths Across America (WAA) location. 145 wreaths were placed on veterans' graves to further the WWA’s yearlong mission to Remember, Honor, and Teach, ensuring that the memory of those who served our country endures. Eight additional wreaths placed at the cemetery represent each branch of the military and veterans whose last known status is Prisoner of War or Missing in Action.
Among the residents at today’s wreath laying were veterans John Medailleu, a Cold War-era Army helicopter pilot, and John Tincler, who was in the Navy during the Korean War. New Pond Village Campus Executive Director Adam Manchester led a brief ceremony. This is the first time that New Pond Village and the Town of Walpole participated in this event.
“New Pond Village deeply respects and honors its residents, taking pride in the community’s Veteran Tribute Wall and holding an event each year to pay tribute to those who have served,” said Manchester. “Bringing Wreaths Across America to Walpole is a fitting gift for New Pond Village to give the community this holiday season.”
Find out what's happening in Walpolefor free with the latest updates from Patch.
“To me, it’s an honor to be able to lay wreaths to recognize those who served in the United States Armed Forces,” said Mr. Medailleu. “I’m grateful to be here today for this event.”
Terrace Hill Cemetery is one of 4,225 participating Wreaths Across America sites nationwide. Many will hold ceremonies on Saturday, December 14, the official National Wreaths Across America Day.