It starts at noon in St. Thomas Cemetery
On Dec. 19, Cornwall will join other communities in observing Wreaths Across America. There will be a brief ceremony in St. Thomas Cemetery followed by the decoration of 332 veterans’ graves.
Lisa Favino, a former Cornwall resident, started the tradition last year. She chose St. Thomas, because her father, who served in World War II, is buried there.
This year the observance is off to a good start. Generous donors have paid for all the wreaths. The Girl Scouts and Boy Scouts have agreed to place them on all the graves. Other volunteers are welcome to help them. The job has become easier because each veteran’s grave has a flag identifying it. People visiting the cemetery before Dec. 19 are asked to leave these flags where they are.
Mrs. Favino expects to start at noon with the placement of seven wreaths at the monument next to the flagpole. The wreaths represent the branches of the service (Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Coast Guard and Merchant Marines) plus the service people who are still missing in action.
Last year, Sen. James Skoufis was the keynote speaker. He addressed the people at the monument after they had recited the Pledge of Allegiance and observed a moment of silence. “Today we show a united front of gratitude and respect across the United States of America,” he said, “as we remember the fallen, honor those who serve and their families, and teach the next generation the value of freedom.
“Remember, we are not here to just decorate graves,” Skoufis said. “We are not here to remember their deaths, but their lives. Each wreath is a gift of appreciation from a grateful America.”
The volunteers then started on their rounds, saying each veteran’s name aloud and offering thanks as they placed a wreath near the headstone.
While no wreaths are needed this year, the public is welcome to participate. Guests should wear masks and observe social distancing. Mrs. Favino has placed details on her Facebook page. You can send questions to stthomaswaa@gmail.com.
