Wreaths Across America 2016 took place on a chilly Saturday

Photos and article by Mary Alice Murphy

Wreaths Across America 2016 took place on Saturday, Dec. 17, in a chilling gale, after the rain and snow had ceased.

Jim Zawacki, Air Force and Vietnam veteran, said he was proud to serve as emcee to remember and honor all veterans during the Christmas season.

He noted the first wreaths were laid in 2009, with seven being put next to gravestones. In 2010, 35 wreaths were laid; 2011, 72; 2012, 549; 2013, 1,040; 2014, 1,755; 2015, 2,079.

Zawacki recognized the chairman and director, Mary Cowan, of the Fort Bayard National Cemetery Wreaths Across America Committee, which consists of Frank Donohue, Ben Collins, Robert and Danna Lopez, Kathy Strange, Mark Erickson, Susie Salars, Susie Yniguez, Laura Wiest, Reneta Galassini, Tip Cowan, Paula Cooley, Gina Maestas, Cecilia Bell, Connie Zawacki and Deb Cosper-Hughes.

"Because of their hard work, we had 490 wreath sponsors, which allowed us to place 3,024 wreaths this year," Zawacki said.

He then asked for a full minute of silence to remember the fallen, the prisoners of war, the missing in action and to honor those who have served or are serving in the U.S. military services.

Allingham-Golding American Legion Post 18 posted the colors.

World War II Veteran and Marine Leonard Pritikin, 96, led the Pledge of Allegiance, followed by the Hi Lo Silvers, under the direction of Valdeen Wooton, singing the National Anthem.

The guest speaker for the day was Susan Parks, Navy veteran and director of the Fort Bayard and Santa Fe national cemeteries. She began by saying that the day before two veterans had been interred at Fort Bayard National Cemetery, one at 11 a.m. and the second at 1 p.m. Both ceremonies were directed by Joseph Trujillo, "dedicated cemetery employee."

"This scene repeats itself day after day," Parks said. "We are privileged to perform this task for our veterans, our community and our country. We are committed to providing a lasting tribute that commemorates the service and sacrifice of each and every veteran.

"Today, we all gather to honor our veterans in a different way," Parks continued. "Yet, in a way that has become a tradition every December, As a community, we join forces with Wreaths Across America and take a few hours out of our busy lives to remember those who served in protection of our freedoms and to honor and to teach."

She recognized Mary Cowan, who coordinated and lead the privately funded, privately organized effort. "And what an effort it is, $45,000 was raised and more than 3,000 wreaths were purchased from sponsorships and private donations." She noted the wreaths originate in Maine and are transported and delivered to the various national cemeteries.

"If I may boast a little, we have the best community of supporters here in Grant County," Parks said. She later told the Beat that Fort Bayard had purchased, received and laid more wreaths than the Santa Fe National Cemetery.

Zawacki also spoke. "We are gathered here this morning at this memorial site and memorial sites all across America to remember that we are one nation under God with one flag. The freedoms we enjoy today have not come without a price."

He spoke of the many freedoms that Americans have, including religion, the freedom to travel, freedom to vote and with the right to succeed or fail.

Zawacki said 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. And we will continue to apologize to no one on behalf of this great nation. We thank those who gave the ultimate, their lives, to keep us free. We shall not forget them. We shall remember."

He noted that many present were veterans of wars or conflicts. "America has always been the first nation to stand up for the freedoms of people around the world. We say Thank you and God Bless you. We are truly honored to know you."

He also requested that when anyone sees a veteran or active duty member of the armed services, that they take a moment to thank them for their service.

Zawacki then announced the laying of wreaths. "The first one for the Army is usually laid by Tip Cowan, but their grandson arrived for a visit, so Logan Cowan, Air Force Academy cadet, will the wreath in memory of those who served and are serving in the U.S. Army."

Ben Collins laid the wreath for the Marine Corps; Luis Montenegro for the U.S. Navy; John Tedford, veteran of Afghanistan, for the Air Force; Terry Kline, Coast Guard veteran, for the Coast Guard; Debbie Root, whose father was a Merchant Marine, for the Merchant Marines; Ray Davis, Air Force veterans for those prisoners of war and missing in action. Members of the Fort Bayard Historic Preservation Society, Dr. John Bell, laid a wreath in honor of all soldiers, enlisted and officers buried at Fort Bayard, and Cecilia Bell, in honor of the U.S Nurses Corps and Medical Corps who served at Fort Bayard.

The Hi Lo Silvers sang America the Beautiful.

Zawacki gave closing remarks. "The 3,024 wreaths around us represent our commitment as a united America to remember the fallen. "To our children and grandchildren, we want them to understand that the freedoms they enjoy have not been free but have come with a cost that someday they may have to pay themselves."

He asked each person present to visit a gravesite, write down the name of the person buried there and then do research on that person to find out about them. "They were and are more than just a statistic. They were mothers and fathers, sons and daughters, brothers and sisters, aunts and uncles and grandparents."

He also thanked the Copper Rose Assembly No. 62 for passing out programs; Don Spann of the Marine Corps League Detachment 1328 for being the bugler; American Legion Post 18; Silver/Bayard Veterans of Foreign Wars and Auxiliary Post 3347; Wooton and the Hi Lo Silvers; and the Tyrone Volunteer Fire and Rescue Department.

Spann played Taps and the colors were retired.

At the end, Zawacki asked Mary Cowan to come forward, and he presented her with a bouquet of roses. She said she is the one most often recognized, but she could not have done it without the help of the committee and those who purchased wreaths.

After the event, participants were invited to the VFW Hall for warm beverages, coffee, tea and cocoa, and snacks.