For those who support Wreaths Across America, the ribbon-festooned evergreens placed on veterans graves over the holidays were more than just Christmas decorations.
For participants like Timothy Marcus, they represented America’s freedom and values, and those who fought to preserve them.
Marcus, a captain of the 100th Illinois Infantry Civil War Reenactors, said, “As reenactors we try to present the opportunity to wear the clothing of that time period in American history, assemble as a regiment, and in general get a small taste of what it was to be a soldier in the Civil War.
“I am also the Camp Commander of a local Son’s of Union Veterans Camp, and as a Son of a Union Veteran I feel it is my duty to honor and keep alive the memories of not only American Civil War Veterans, but all those who served our country, from all wars.
“My thoughts often go to the troopers who gave the ultimate sacrifice, those who never had the chance to return home.
“I find it important, not only on days of memorial, to visit the graves, read the names, place flowers, and wreaths, but to take some time to research these veterans, to learn a bit more about their lives beyond their service time, and I encourage anyone, young and old, to do the same.”
Like many of others participating in the program, Marcus did not serve in the military. But he has family who did, in every war from the Revolution up to the war in Vietnam.
As captain of the reenactors, he has been invited to speak at memorial programs at many of the larger cemeteries all over Chicagoland.
“But when the new Sons of Union Veterans camp in Will County was formed,” he said, “I quickly realized that the smaller cemeteries south of I-80 were not being represented, so it was decided to focus our attention on communities like Monee, Manhattan, Wilton Center, and Wilmington.”
The ceremony has been held annually at St. Paul Cemetery in Monee. But with dangerously cold weather that weekend, organizer Christi Holston moved the ceremony indoors to St. Paul’s Fellowship Hall.
In her remarks, Holston said, “Welcome and, again, thank you all for joining us here today. This year, across the country at more than 2,700 participating locations like this one, there are millions of Americans gathering as one nation to Remember, Honor and Teach. We are all proud to be Americans that live in a free society made up of people, from all countries, religions and walks of life. The freedoms we enjoy today have come at a heavy cost. Lying here before us and in cemeteries throughout this nation are men and women who gave their lives so that we can live in freedom.
“We shall remember their sacrifice.
“Today, we reflect on our nation’s veterans and active-duty service members who fight to protect the liberty that we often take for granted.”
Asking all military members, past and present, at the ceremony to stand, she said, “We honor you and your families for the sacrifices you have made to keep our country safe.
“Today, we show a united front of gratitude and respect across the United States of America as we remember the fallen, honor those who serve and their families, and teach the next generation the value of freedom.”
In her comments, Rachel White, president of the St. Paul Cemetery Board, voiced thanks “to everyone who donated by sponsoring a wreath. Your generosity and support of our veterans is what makes a day like this possible.”
Dr. Therese Bogs, mayor of Monee, also spoke during the program.
“Today, we gather with a shared purpose: to remember, honor, and teach. As we place these wreaths, we honor the men and women who served our nation with courage, devotion, and a sacrifice. Each wreath represents a life, a story, and a legacy that lives on through us. We remember those who never returned home, and we honor those who did and continued to serve their communities. We teach future generations that freedom is not free, and that the values we cherish are protected by the selfless service of our veterans and their families. May these wreaths symbolize our gratitude, our respect, and our promise that we will never forget.”
A veteran’s wreath was placed in honor of the 93,129 United States Servicemen from all branches of the service whose last known status was either Prisoners of War or Missing in Action and have never returned to their families and homes.
Placing the wreaths were Jackie Lafferty, president St. Paul’s Church Council, whose husband is a Vietnam veteran; Timothy Marcus, captain, 100th Illinois Infantry Civil War Reenactors; Al Wojtowicz, U.S. Navy and Vietnam veteran; Sheila Stepanovich, president, Monee American Legion Axillary, whose husband and son are veterans; Chief Petty Officer Vernon Reed, Crete-Monee High School ROTC Sponsor; Eban Smith, member of the 100th Illinois Infantry Reenactors and Merchant Marine recruit; and
Army veteran Ron Mansmith, who served with the Old Guard Regiment in Washington, D.C.
Also participating were Sheila Langenfeld, chaplain Monee Legion Post 1200 Auxiliary, and the Crete-Monee High School ROTC.
In her closing remarks, Holston said, “We encourage everyone present to visit some of the graves of our service men and women, lay one of the Ceremonial Wreaths, say aloud their name, and take a moment to thank them for their service to our country. It is said that no one is truly forgotten as long as their name is still heard. This small act will keep the memory of our veterans and their service alive.
“We are here to remember, not their deaths, but their lives. Each wreath is a gift of appreciation from a grateful America to those who have served and are serving in the armed forces and to their families who endure sacrifices every day on our behalf. As a nation standing together to honor their service.”
