For the fifth time, Wreaths Across America Hudson will participate in the national Wreaths event at the Hills House, 211 Derry Road, on Saturday, Dec. 16, at 11 a.m.
The solemn and moving tribute to our veterans will include representatives of each branch of the Armed Forces presenting a wreath in honor of the veterans of their branch of service, as well as for POW/MIA and the veterans interred in the two cemeteries in town where the wreaths are not allowed — St. Patrick’s and Holy Cross Cemeteries.
The ceremony starts before the actual wreath laying, which starts at noon, and offers everyone the opportunity to honor our veterans on Wreath Day.
Following the ceremony, previously registered volunteers will proceed to seven Hudson cemeteries and honor each veteran by placing a wreath at their gravesite. The volunteer will state the name of the veteran and say a few words about his/her service. By the end of the day, nearly 400 veterans buried in Hudson will be remembered. Wreaths are also placed at the several veterans’ monuments throughout the Town.
“We understand that we have Memorial Day in the spring and Veterans Day in the fall, but our service members sacrifice their time and safety every single day of the year to preserve our freedom,” the VFW said in a statement. “In many homes, there is an empty seat at the table for one who is serving or one who made the ultimate sacrifice for our country. There is no better time to express our appreciation than during the hustle and bustle of the holiday season.
“We gather on Wreath Day to show our veterans and their families that we will not forget,” the statement continued. “We honor them and their families for the sacrifices they make each day to keep our country safe from terrorism, hatred, and injustice.”
All are welcome at the half-hour, outdoor ceremony. Folding chairs are welcome.
Following the ceremony, snacks and hot drinks will be available inside the Hills House, providing an opportunity for attendees to view the downstairs of the House which has been decorated for the holiday season.
Location Coordinator, Christina Madden and sponsor, Hudson Memorial VFW Post 5791, thank the many organizations and individuals who help with this project, including, the Hudson Police, Hudson Fire Department, Town of Hudson DPW, American Legion Post #48, Alvirne High JROTC, Hudson Historical Society, the Knights of Columbus, local Boy and Girl Scouts, the Board of Selectmen, Hudson Community TV, the active duty and retired service members who take part in the Wreath Day Ceremony.
