Positioned in front are veterans Phil Morello and Ken Smith and standing behind that are fellow veterans Donald Blair, Raymond “Doc” Cooper and Steve LaRosa. Photos by Linda Mastrogiacomo.
Veteran Jerome DiSisto with Wreaths Across America Mobile Education Exhibit Ambassador Stefan Brann during the museum’s stop last week at the Central Valley Fire House.
The 50th anniversary commemorative pin given to Vietnam-era veterans.
“Welcome home.”
A week ago Thursday, Aug. 5, six veterans who served during the Vietnam war era were honored by the Wreaths Across America (WAA) Mobile Educational Exhibit staff.
The mobile museum, which was parked at the Central Valley Fire Department, was hosted by the WAA Cemetery of the Highlands new coordinators Lisa Hintze and Anthony Spagna.
WAA partnered with the Vietnam Commemorative Commission to widen efforts making sure every Vietnam-era veteran receives a 50th anniversary commemorative pin, a challenge coin handshake and “welcome home,” said Mobile Education Exhibit Ambassador Stefan Brann.
WAA staff escorted veterans and visitors to tour the bus to learn about the organization’s history in honoring all veterans.
The WAA mission began in 1992 when Columbia Falls-based Worcester Wreath Company owner, Morrill Worcester, dedicated surplus wreaths to Arlington National Cemetery for gravesides in the older, less visited areas. In 2005, a photo of the headstones adorned with the wreaths went viral, efforts grew significantly to bring in more wreaths every year. The 501 (c) (3) nonprofit was created in 2007.
Wreaths Across America coordinates wreath laying ceremonies every December to live up to their moto “Remember, Honor and Teach” about the sacrifices made by our veterans and their families.
Remember the date: Dec. 18
Cemetery of the Highlands, located at 634 State Route 32, Highland Mills, is one of 300 new cemeteries that will be participating in this national event on Dec. 18, 2021, at noon.
There are close to 800 veterans buried in the Cemetery of the Highlands and each will need a wreath to be laid at their headstone. You can help by sponsoring a $15 wreath; volunteer to participate in laying wreathes; and by spreading the word to encourage others to sponsor a wreath, which can be done via Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/WAAatCemetryoftheHighlands and Wreaths Across America Website at https://www.wreathsacrossamerica.org/NY0370
Email the coordinators at WAAleehintze@yahoo.com with any questions.
- Linda Mastrogiacomo