First published in the Dec. 30 print issue of the Pasadena Outlook.
The Daughters of the American Revolution’s Martin Severance Chapter recently placed 80 wreaths on the graves of veterans at Mountain View Cemetery.
The group’s effort in Altadena was part of Wreaths Across America’s nationwide event that takes place at national and community cemetaries each year.
The local event was organized by Chaplain Grace Van Orden of the Martin Severance Chapter, in conjunction with Ann Treto of Mountain View Cemetery.
Van Orden’s husband, Ron, helped her mark the veterans’ graves prior to the event to ensure placing the wreaths went smoothly.
Blair High School’s Army JROTC Color Guard with the wreaths.
The morning began with a short ceremony delivered by Martin Severance Chapter Vice-Regent Sarah Towne-di Cicco, with the Blair High School Army JROTC Color Guard, led by First Sgt. Ben Hick (Ret.) and Cadet Lt. Col. Marianna Salcido, presenting and retiring the colors. At each gravesite, the volunteer laying the wreath spoke the veteran’s name aloud, reflected upon their lives, and thanked him or her for their service to the nation.
WAA began in 1992 when the Worcester Wreath Company found themselves with a surplus of wreaths. The owner, recollecting his boyhood trip to Arlington Cemetery, decided to donate his surplus wreaths to the cemetery with the request that these be placed on Veterans’ graves. Today, placement of wreaths has grown from Arlington National Cemetery to cemeteries nationwide and is now called Wreaths Across America.
Without the help of volunteers, active organization, and the generosity of the trucking industry, WAA would not be what it is today — a nonprofit organization with a mission to “remember the men and women who served our country; honor our military and their families; and teach our children about our freedom and those who protect it.”
For more information on how to get involved with Wreaths Across America next year, email Van Orden at Martin.Severance.DAR@gmail.com.
