A Wreaths Across America ceremony was held at the Silent Home Cemetery in Reynoldsburg in observance of National Wreaths Across America Day in December. The ceremony was conducted by the cadets of the Eddie Rickenbacker Squadron, Civil Air Patrol under the guidance of their commanding officer, Capt. Allen Verplatse. Providing the honor guard were members of The Patriot Guard, District 5. Overseeing the observance was Truro Township Road Superintendent Stan Knoderer. Also attending were the officers of American Legion Reynoldsburg Post 798. Large wreaths were set on stands to honor each of the five military services and for the Merchant Marine. After the ceremony, a small wreath was laid by the cadets at each of the 208 veterans graves at Silent Home. In addition, the cadets spoke the name of the veteran as the wreath was laid and thanked him or her for their service to this country. The ceremony was one of many conducted throughout United States cemeteries, at sea, and at 24 national cemeteries in foreign countries to honor the graves of those veterans who have served our country. According to Karen Worcester, the Executive Director of Wreaths Across America, “We are not here to ‘decorate graves.’ We’re here to remember not their deaths, but their lives.” Funds for the Silent Home wreaths were collected by the cadets of the Civil Air Patrol squadron. (Photo courtesy of Pete Margaritis, commander of American Legion Reynoldsburg Post 798.)
