OTISVILLE- National Wreaths Across America Day was held on Saturday, and at more than 4,000 locations in all 50 states and around the world, more than two million volunteers gathered to lay a wreath on the graves of American veterans. The mission of Wreaths Across America is to remember, honor, and teach about the value of freedom.
One such ceremony, in the tiny Village of Otisville, drew out more than 100 volunteers including students, members of the volunteer fire service, and elected officials. The Otisville ceremony was one of dozens of wreath laying events around the region.
Orange County Surrogate Court Judge Timothy McElduff served as master of ceremonies. He led the laying of wreaths for each of the branches of the U.S. armed forces and explained to volunteers, some of whom were attending for the first time, how the organization recognizes the veterans.
“When you place a wreath on a servicemember’s grave, speak that person’s name aloud,” said McElduff. “Thank them for their service and sacrifice.”
State Senator James Skoufis and Assemblyman Karl Brabenec were both in attendance and spoke about the significance of remembering those who served the country.
“It is wonderful to see so many people here, in this community, come out to support our veterans,” said Skoufis.
For his part, Brabenec spoke about his late father, a sailor with the Navy. He said that earlier in the day, he and his family laid a wreath on his father’s grave in the Town of Deerpark. He also spoke about the significance of young people participating in the wreath laying ceremony.
“It is important to tech young people that freedom isn’t free,” said Brabenec. “I am so glad to see so many young people here today.”
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