Laying of wreath at mortuary serves as reminder of all who have sacrificed

  • Published
  • By Christin Michaud
  • Air Force Mortuary Affairs Operations Public Affairs
DOVER AIR FORCE BASE, Del. --  As the clock struck noon a Soldier, Sailor, Airman and Marine gathered in the atrium of Air Force Mortuary Affairs Operations on Dec. 11, 2010 to honor their fallen comrades.

Together those four individuals joined hundreds of other Americans at Arlington National Cemetery and other state and national cemeteries across the nation who at the same time lay a wreath in honor of Veterans.

Marine Cpl. Matthew Duerr, Army Sgt. Mariangelica Aviles, Navy Petty Officer 2nd Class Jennifer Howell and Air Force Airman 1st Class Vincent Montoya volunteered to place the wreath. The ceremony honoring veterans takes place each year on the second Saturday in December. It is sponsored by Wreaths Across America, a nonprofit organization whose mission is to remember, honor and teach. They remember and honor veterans during the holidays -- a time of traditional family gatherings -- and teach children that Americans are able to do so, in peace, because of the many sacrifices made by military men and women.

The first wreaths recognizing the sacrifice of servicemembers started in 1992 when Morrill Worcester of Worcester Wreath donated 5,000 wreaths to Arlington National Cemetery. The Arlington Wreath Project is now an annual tradition.

Wreaths Across America was created to expand on the Arlington Wreath Project and honor Veterans nationwide.

"Today across America we honor those who served as protectors of our nation, and the values we hold by laying a wreath during this season of celebration," said Ch. (Lt. Col.) Douglas Arendsee, as he opened in prayer. "A wreath traditionally represents strength and eternity and we lay this wreath to honor the strength of those who have protected us through the years."

Although the mortuary isn't a cemetery, its mission serves as a reminder for the fallen and Veterans alike.

"The goal is to honor those who have given their lives in service of their country, and to thank and honor those who are currently serving and those who have served, and to remember our POWs and MIAs," explained Maj. Todd Ladd.

There have been many military men and women who make sacrifices for freedom, sometimes, the ultimate sacrifice.

"We see the results of that sacrifice all the time on a daily basis," said the major. "In a way this is symbolic of the chain of sacrifice for freedom because all of those members who have given their lives come through here and we care for them. We provide dignity, honor and respect, and return them -- many of whom end up in those national cemeteries where similar ceremonies are going on and wreaths are being laid."

Wreaths Across America donated a wreath to AFMAO to honor Veterans, to honor the fallen, to honor those who work with the fallen, and the support of the organization.

"When you see this wreath in our atrium ... just think about what that sacrifice is for," said Major Ladd, "it's for freedom."

Major Ladd ended with a quote by Ronald Reagan, who said: "Freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction. We didn't pass it to our children in the bloodstream. It must be fought for, protected, and handed on for them to do the same, or one day we will spend our sunset years telling our children and our children's children what it was once like in the United States where men were free."