Wreaths Across America, Eastern Washington Veterans Cemetery

Courtesy Photo | Master Sgt. Mark Kranches lays a wreath at the grave site of one of the many veterans who has gone before us.  

MEDICAL LAKE, WA, UNITED STATES

12.14.2013

Story by Master Sgt. Eugene Lewan 

242 Combat Communications Squadron

MEDICAL LAKE, Wash. - The 242nd Combat Communications Squadron represented the Washington Air National Guard in the Wreaths Across America ceremony held at the Eastern Washington Veterans Cemetery, Medical Lake, Wash.

The Wreaths Across America Program started in 1992 with the laying of wreaths at Arlington National Cemetery. These wreaths were donated by the Worcester Wreath Company, Harrington, Maine. Since 1992, the program has spread across the country and internationally. This year’s event took place in more than 400 veterans' cemeteries from Alaska to Iraq.

The weather, cool and overcast, accentuated the somber reverence of the memorial. The directors of the event and staff of the Washington State Veterans Cemetery had hot beverages and pastries available to all attending. These items were donated by the supporters of the cemetery.

Personnel arrived at 11:00 a.m. and assembled in the lobby of the main offices of the cemetery. The ceremony started promptly at noon, with the posting of the colors by the Honor Guard.

All attending were welcomed by the event director. He gave a short opening remark, recognizing the sacrifice of our veterans who gave their lives for the freedom we enjoy today. He then introduced Col. Daniel Swain, 141st Air Refueling Wing commander

Swain gave a short speech reminding all that our “freedoms didn’t come without a price.” This preceded the placement of a wreath for all POW/MIAs, Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, Coast Guard and Merchant Marines personnel.

After all the service wreaths were placed, the playing of taps was performed.

Closing statements thanked those who attended and all were then invited to place one of the 650-plus wreaths donated by veterans groups, family members and military units on the grave site of a veteran. The members of the Civil Air Patrol assisted with this task, and assisted many of the veterans' family members in placing the wreaths, either at the grave site or along the columbarium wall along the entry road. They performed all functions of the event with dignity, honor and respect. The leadership of this group and its members should be commended on the job they performed.

The family members of the veterans interred at the cemetery were truly moved by the event, and the presence of all service personnel who participated in the memorial. These events provide an opportunity to support the state we have taken an oath to serve, and builds a stronger bond between the Washington Air National Guard and the members of the community. I wish to thank all the members of the 242nd who volunteered and thank our leadership for the honor of representing our unit, state and country.

• Date Taken: 12.14.2013
• Date Posted: 01.02.2014 20:58
• Story ID: 118771
• Location: MEDICAL LAKE, WA, US