Inaugural Milo Wreaths Across America Day ceremony honors all who served

MILO — Military members past and present were honored at the Milo Veterans Memorial in Evergreen Cemetery on Saturday, Dec. 13, joining thousands of other ceremonies across the country in observing Wreaths Across America Day.

Organized by Joseph P. Chaisson American Legion Post 41, the Milo ceremony had 11 wreaths placed shortly after noon to commemorate the day. The event honors and remembers the nation’s fallen heroes and all who have served while instilling the value of freedom in the next generation, and coincides with the day commemorative Maine-made balsam wreaths are laid at Arlington National Cemetery in Virginia after a weeklong convoy — “Escort to Arlington” — from the state.

Following introductory remarks by Anthony Kappes, who led the ceremony, Harry Wado gave a prayer thanking God for the gift of freedom. 

“A gift so dearly bought by the lives of these brave men and women,” Wado said, saying as the wreaths are placed may the decorations be symbols of eternal gratitude and remembrance. “Bless those who gave their all, comfort their families and help us to live worthy of all their sacrifices.”

Attendees then recited the Pledge of Allegiance, observed a moment of silence to remember the fallen, prisoners of war and those missing in action and to honor those who served and are serving.

After singing the National Anthem, ceremony attendees learned similar observances are taking place that day at more than 5,600 locations across all 50 states, territories and more than two dozen American cemeteries overseas. 

“Ensuring that we honor and remember our heroes wherever they rest,” Kappes said, as millions of Americans gathered on Dec. 13 as one nation to remember, honor and to teach

“We are proud to be Americans that live in a free society made up of many people from many walks of life,” he said. “The freedoms that we enjoy today have not come without a price, laying here before us and in cemeteries throughout this nation are men and women who gave their lives so that we can live in freedom and without fear. 

“We can worship as we see fit, we can raise our children to believe as we do. We are free to vote for the leaders of our choosing and we have the right to succeed and we have the right to fail at whatever endeavor we wish to pursue. The United States of America was founded on the ideals of freedom, justice and equality, our nation stands as a shining beacon of liberty and freedom to the world. We thank those who gave their lives to keep us free and we shall not forget you, we shall remember.”

Wreaths Across America Day is a time to reflect on the nation’s veterans and active duty service members who have and continue to fight to protect the innocent and oppressed, Kappes said.

“This nation has always been the first to stand up for the freedom of the people from around the world,” he said. “Many of you here today have answered that call and served your country well, for this we say thank you and we are honored to know you.”

“There are many men and women today serving in all branches of the military here at home and in places far away that most of us have never heard of,” Kappes said. “These men and women are part of the best trained, best equipped force in the world. We honor them and their families for the sacrifice they make each day to keep our country safe from terrorism, hatred and injustice.”

Kappes quoted President Ronald Regan by saying “Freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction. We didn’t pass it on to our children in the bloodstream. The only way they can inherit the freedom we have known is if we fight for it, protect it, defend it and then hand it to them with the well fought lessons of how they in their lifetime must do the same. And if you and I don’t do this, then you and I may well spend our sunset years telling our children and our children’s children what it once was like in America when men were free.”

“Today we show a united front of gratitude and respect across the United States of America as we remember the fallen, honor those who served and their families and teach the next generation the value of freedom,” Kappes said.

Eight wreaths were then placed on stands in front of the Veterans Memorial with Ken Stone starting with a wreath for those who served and are serving in the United States Army. He was followed by Ronald Knowles with the U.S. Marine Corps wreath and then Steve Quist for the U.S. Navy, Joe Beres for the U.S. Air Force, Kaitlyn Cox for the U.S. Space Force, Wally Sinclair for the U.S. Coast Guard and Eve Powell for the U.S. Merchant Marines.

Chris Crockett’s wreath was for the 80,000 service men from all branches whose last known status was POW/MIA.

“These individuals have never returned to their families and homes, we shall not forget you,” Kappes said.

Alice Kappes then placed a wreath for first responders.

The Evergreen Cemetery monuments for the Civil War, World War I and World War II each had a wreath, placed by Joseph Kappes, Carroll Witham and Wado respectively.

Anthony Kappes encouraged everyone to place a wreath on a veteran’s grave, say their name aloud and thank them for their service.

“It is a small act that goes a long way to keeping the memory of our veterans alive,” he said. “Remember, we are not here to decorate graves, we are here to remember not their death but their lives. Each wreath is a gift of appreciation from a grateful America. These live balsam fir wreaths 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 sacrifice every day on our behalf, To our children, we want you to understand that freedoms that you enjoy today have not been free but have come with a cost that some day you may have to repay yourself.”

As a nation standing together, we can defeat terrorism, hatred and injustice,” Kappes said in conclusion.  “Thanks to our veterans we have the freedom to do just that.”

Jack Eastman performed taps to close the ceremony.

Earlier in the week the U.S. Senate unanimously passed a resolution introduced by U.S. Sens. Susan Collins, R-Maine and Angus King, I-Maine designating Dec. 13 as “Wreaths Across America Day”. 

“This annual tradition unites so many Americans to honor our heroes by laying wreaths at locations across the country,” Collins and King said in a statement. “We are proud to recognize this important day and the steadfast support of those who help honor the legacies of our service members.”