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Wreaths Across America
Veterans are framed by the wreaths they placed in Putnam's Wreaths Across America tribute. More photos on page 4. Linda Lemmon photo.


By Linda Lemmon
Town Crier Editor
PUTNAM — The raw weather was no match for solemnity and patriotism Dec. 18.
Wreaths Across America took place at noon across the nation, and in local towns, including in Veterans Memorial Park in Putnam.
The tribute, which started in 1992 and took off in 2007, said Michael Rocchetti, senior vice commander of American Legion Post #13, is a remembrance of Putnam area veterans, past and present, as well as MIA and POW service members.
Rocchetti gave the audience a brief history of wreaths and of Wreaths Across America. The wreath, he said, is evergreen which symbolizes everlasting life and its circle shape represents God — no beginning and no end, he said.
Hans Lowell, commander of the Albert Breault VFW Post 1523, challenged all those in attendance to “sit down with anyone who served. Include them in your holiday festivities.” He added “Reach out to someone in the military. Find out how they’re doing and include them in your holiday.”
Ronald P. Coderre, former commander of American Legion Post 13 and District 4, recalled the history of the tribute in Putnam, with kudos to the late Town Administrator Doug Cutler, and said the mission of the wreaths is to “remember, honor and teach.”
Deputy Mayor and veteran Roy Simmons also inspired, leaving with the quote from Bill Clinton: “There is nothing wrong with America that cannot be cured with what is right in America.”
Marc Coderre, senior chaplain of the legion, did the invocation; Emily Lajoie (U.S. Army National Guard specialist), sang the National Anthem. The honor guard included: Frank Tremont, Michael Vassar, Walter Larochelle and Russ Waters. Taps was played by Tyler Eddy. The riflemen were Curt Prochowski and Chas MacKenzie.
Wreaths were placed by Brian Maynard (U.S. Army), Fred Veltheim (U.S. Marine Corp.), Alan Joslin (U.S. Navy), Barbara smith (U.S. Air Force/Space Force), Thomas Lajoie (U.S. Coast Guard), Peter Trama (U.S. Merchant Marines) and Victor Kratz (POW/MIA/U.S. Army). A wreath was also thrown into the Quinebaug River.

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