On a sunny Saturday morning, nearly 100 people placed wreaths at the headstones of the 426 Veterans who were laid to rest at the Fort Devens cemetery.
The Devens ceremony was part of Wreaths across America which started because of an idea of Morrill Worcester, the owner of Worcester Wreaths who had surplus wreaths in 1992 and wanted honor the Veterans at Arlington National Cemetery. A photo of the wreaths at Arlington in 2005, brought thousands of requests to bring the wreaths to every military cemetery across our Nation.
When Lt. Col. Steven Egan took command of Fort Devens, he wanted the Devens cemetery to be a part of Wreaths across America. This was the third ceremony held at the Devens cemetery.
"Many of you are Veterans of wars and conflicts that American has fought to protect the innocent and oppressed," said Egan. "You have answered your Nation's call and served your country well. We are here to say thank you and you honor us with your presence. There are many men and women are serving in all branches of the military, at home and abroad. These men and women are part of the best-trained, best-equipped force in the world. We honor them and their families for the sacrifices they make each day to keep our country safe. When you see a Veteran or a member of the armed services, take a moment and say thank you. We owe them our way of life."
Wreaths were laid at more than 545 national cemeteries in the United States and beyond on Dec. 13.
"The wreaths before you represent our commitment as Americans to remember the fallen," said Egan. "We want these remembrance wreaths to symbolize our honor to those who have served and are serving in the Armed Forces of our great nation and to their families who endure sacrifices everyday on our behalf."
Since the Revolutionary War through the current wars on terrorism, more than 41 million Americans have served during wartime. Currently, there are more than 23 million living Veterans in the United States.
All 426 veterans interred at Fort Devens cemetery had a wreath placed on their headstone. It came through the help of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, American Legion, Association of the United States Army, scouts, Civil Air Patrol Cadets, Fort Devens employees and supporters.
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