The mission of Wreaths Across America is to honor, remember and teach younger generations about the value of freedom and sacrifices made by veterans. Watch video
WESTFIELD — “America will always be strong because of communities like Westfield,” Karen Worcester, executive director of Wreaths Across America, said while attending a special veterans’ memorial at Stanley Park on Tuesday.
More than 200 city veterans, schoolchildren and residents attended the ceremony and welcomed Worcester and her entourage that included Maine’s First Lady Ann LePage, American Gold Star Mothers president Mary Beyers, retired Army Major Gen. Peter M. Aylward and eight tractor-trailers full of holiday wreaths en route to Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, Va.
“My heart is full seeing all the children and others who turned out today,” said Worcester, noting the mission of Wreaths Across America is to ‘honor, remember and teach younger generations about the value of freedom and sacrifices made by veterans.’
“I am choked up to see this many people come out on a cold day. America is the names on the stones in veterans cemeteries across the nation,” she said.
Wreaths Across America left seven wreaths at the parks’ Veterans Memorial, one for each branch of the military, including the Merchant Marines and Prisoner of War/Missing in Action.
More than 1,100 wreaths were delivered by WAA and local organizations to Agawam Veterans Cemetery on Tuesday. Cemetery director William C. Walls Jr. said volunteers including high school students will place the wreaths on grave sites beginning at 9:30 a.m. Saturday.
A noontime memorial will mirror ceremonies at Arlington National Cemetery, he said.
Wreath donations for the cemetery are coordinated by Brian and Gina Willette of South Hadley, Walls said. “I’m just thrilled with them. They have done such a wonderful job,” the director said.
In addition to those gathered at Stanley Park’s new Veterans Memorial, hundreds of others lined Westfield streets from the Massachusetts Turnpike to the park to welcome the WAA caravan for the welcome coordinated by Stanley Park director Robert C. McKean, an Air Force Vietnam era veteran and a former member of Arlington National Cemetery’s honor guard.
“This is a great honor for the city to be selected as a stop on the way to Arlington Cemetery,” said Mayor Daniel M. Knapik. “Our city prides itself on its devotion to our veterans.”
Walter J. Zarichak, past commander of American Legion Post 124, added “Every day is Veterans’ Day, and let's never forget that. This is an honor for Westfield and for Stanley Park.”
Members of Post 124 along with representatives of other city veterans’ organizations provided the honor guard for Tuesday’s memorial.
Robert C. McKean
Fire Chief Mary R. Regan called the public turnout “awesome.”
Aylward, representing Secretary of Defense Leon E. Panetta, used the occasion as a special remembrance for veterans who served during the Vietnam War era.
“This thank you and honor of veterans of the Vietnam War is long overdue,” the former commander of the Army National guard’s 26th Infantry Brigade stationed in Springfield, said.
State Rep. Donald F. Humason Jr., R-Westfield, said “the turnout is representative of our city in remembering those who gave their all to preserve our freedom.”
South Middle School eighth-graders Brittany M. Fountain, Jasmine A. Malochleb and Joseph P. Uva welcomed the opportunity to attend the memorial.
“This is a wonderful way to show our respect and remember all veterans,” said Fountain.
Malochleb said, “This is a very moving thing that recognizes all veterans both alive and deceased.”
Uva, whose father Kevin Uva is serving in the Air Force, said, “Today is a fantastic opportunity for Westfield to recognize those who sacrificed for all of us.”
Wreaths Across America, a non-profit organization, coordinates the annual placement of wreaths on graves at Arlington National Cemetery and related events throughout the country. The program was started in 1992 by Maine businessman Morrill Worcester.
Staff writer Sandra Constantine contributed to this story.