Wreaths: Our gratitude should have no end
By Linda Lemmon
Town Crier Editor
PUTNAM/POMFRET — A patriotic observance, Wreaths Across America, was held at high-noon Dec. 13 at Putnam’s Veterans Park and in Pomfret and around America.
American Legion Post 13 Commander Michael Rocchetti said the wreaths are placed to “recognize the soldiers, sailors, airmen, and Marines who are serving, have served, and those who have departed from our ranks.  The watchwords for the Wreaths Across America Observance are: Remember, Honor, and Teach”. We remember the sacrifices made by our veterans, we honor their legacy, and we teach our younger generations the value of freedom”.
Brian Maynard, in his speech at the Pomfret ceremony, echoed those words, saying: “We’re here today because of a simple but powerful mission: Remember, Honor, and Teach. First, Teach. We have a duty to pass on the real stories of service—especially to our kids. Let me tell you about Lieutenant Andrew Pepin, a U.S. Army officer who fought in the South Pacific in WWII. He went through hell—jungles, constant combat, horrors most of us can’t imagine. He made it home, but like so many of his generation, he carried invisible wounds for the rest of his life. Andrew’s story reminds our young people that freedom has a cost that reaches far beyond the battlefield. It touches families, hometowns, and hearts. Teaching these stories is how we make sure the next generation understands what it truly means to serve.
“Second, Remember. We say their names. We keep their memories alive. Right here in Pomfret, we have one of the great heroes of the American Revolution: Colonel Israel Putnam. (He was a colonel in the Continental Army, later promoted to brigadier general, but he was also known as “Old Put,” the farmer who left his plow in the field the moment he heard about Lexington and Concord.) At Bunker Hill he told his men, words that still ring today, “Don’t fire until you see the whites of their eyes.” (Some say it was Colonel Prescott who gave that order, but either way, Putnam was right there in the fight.) Remembering Israel Putnam means more than repeating dates and battles; it means keeping alive the spirit of a man who helped create the country we’re proud to call home.
“And finally, Honor. We honor every veteran, those still with us and those who have passed, by the simple, powerful act of placing a wreath on their graves. These evergreen circles have no beginning and no end, just like our gratitude should have no end. When we place a wreath and say a veteran’s name out loud, we’re telling them, General Israel Putnam – Lt Andrew Pepin, “Your service mattered. You are not forgotten.”  So as we lay these wreaths today, let’s make a promise:
We will teach the stories with honesty and compassion. We will remember the fallen by saying their names and sharing their courage. And we will honor every veteran, past and present, with the deep respect they’ve earned. Every veteran has a story that could be tough, a story that should be remembered and a service that should be honored.”
In his remarks, Rocchetti said: “It was a cold overcast day, kind of dreary, but the winds were calm. As long as there is no precipitation of any sort, it’s a good day for this ceremony.” He related the extraordinary story of George Dunworth – a local Revolutionary War veteran who served as a sailor, a foot soldier, and a cavalryman during the war. “Dunworth, a battle-hardened veteran, survived captivity as a POW and also survived smallpox. His story is amazing.”
The annual “Wreaths Across America” tribute started in 2005, and has grown in popularity. Putnam’s first observance was in 2011, and was a joint effort of the Town of Putnam, The American Legion Post and the VFW Post. The participants in the ceremony included the American Legion Post #13, the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post #1523, the Putnam Elks #574 Veterans Committee, the Danielson Veteran’s Coffeehouse, and the Town of Putnam. Speakers included Rocchetti, and VFW Post 1523 Post Commander Hans Lowell. The National Anthem was sung by Paul Salisbury from the VFW Auxiliary. Taps was played on the bugle by Rob Challinor. The honor guard consisted of Michael Vassar, Russ Waters, Chris Steinbrick and Jon Drew. The invocation was given by Janet Muscara, and the closing benediction was given by Pierre Desilets. The wreath layers included: David Lavoie, Bill Schmidt, Ron Pariseau, Pat Kelly, and Thomas Lajoie. Hans Lowell placed wreaths at Veterans Park, at three bridges over the Quinebaug River, and at every cemetery in town where veterans are buried.
Commander Rocchetti also had words of praise for the Town of Putnam: “The Parks and Recreation Director Jimmy Callahan did a lot of work behind the scenes to make this happen – and I am very grateful for their support. Also ”Jimbo” Crabtree did a fantastic job setting up the ceremonial site – with chairs, a podium, and a sound system. How lucky we are to live in such a wonderful community!”

Captions:
From left: Pomfret Selectwoman Martha Emillio, Veterans Rep Garry Brown, Rep. Boyd & Guest Speaker Brian Maynard.
Thank you also to Marian Hollowell, the Daughters of the American Revolution
.