The local DAR honors Wreaths Across America volunteers

By Joanie Allbee

Saugus Veterans Council Commander Steve Castinetti received a $100 donation from Regent Gail Cassarino of the local Parson Roby Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) at the January Veterans Council meeting. Commander Castinetti was also a Certificate of Appreciation recipient.

Regent Cassarino presented Certificates of Appreciation to the Volunteers and those who represented a branch of Service at the Wreaths Across America Ceremony at the Saugus Riverside Cemetery last Dec. 16. The Parson Roby Chapter sponsors the Wreaths Across America event annually. Those receiving Certificates of Appreciation included:

• Lt. Col. Mary McKenzie, who represented United States Army
• Commander John Macauda of American Legion, who represented United States Marines
• Senior Chief Jack Klecker, who represented the United States Navy
• Chief Master Sgt. Robert O’Toole, who represented the United States Air Force
• Lloyd Sales, who represented United Space Force
• Jane Conrad, who represented United States Coast Guard
• Gold Star Wife Dee Whittemore-Farris, who represented Prisoners of War and the Missing in Action
• United States Navy and Marine Jack Marino stood in and represented Merchant Marines
• Salem High School Jr. ROTC Sgt. Major John Sumner, who was in charge of Salem High Jr. ROTC
• The volunteers who helped with their time and trucks on the Friday before the event to assist with necessary duties – Jack Klecker, Jack Marino, Bart Loftus, Don Amero, Chopper Cox and Veterans Service Officer Paul Cancelliere.

Ten more Veterans graves at the Riverside Cemetery will be covered in 2024 as a result of a vote taken by the Veterans Council. They offered to donate $170 to sponsor 10 wreaths.