Wreaths Across America Ceremonies in Saugus

(Submitted by Parson Roby Chapter DAR member Joanie Allbee)

Soldiers’ graves were honored as Parson Roby Chapter National Society Daughters of the American Revolution and the Judge Samuel Holten Society Children of the American Revolution (C. A. R.) sponsored Wreaths Across America. Saturday’s sunny, blustery day (December 14) at Saugus Cemetery Ceremonies revealed the following: The Pledge of Allegiance by Tony Carr C.A.R., America’s Creed and a moment of silence followed by presenting of Salem High School Color Guard with Commander Lt. Col Grace. The National Anthem was beautifully offered up by Caylee Cassarino C.A.R. Opening remarks were by Regent Gail Cassarino.

Wreath laying ceremonies honored each branch of the United States Service. Rick Braugh placed a wreath to honor the United States Army. John Macauda placed a wreath to honor the United States Marines. Senior Chief Jack Klecker placed a wreath and honored the United States Navy. Master Chief Sgt. Robert O’Toole honored the United States Air Force. Jane Conrad placed a wreath and honored the United States Coast Guard. Carl Mucci placed a wreath to honor the Prisoners of War and Missing in Action.

Regent Gail gave closing remarks. Our invited Guests each took the podium to give a brief and meaningful speech. State Representative Donald Wong presented a proclamation. Board of Selectmen Chair Debra Panetta spoke and standing to her side were Vice Chair Jeff Cicolini and Selectmen Anthony Cogliano, Corinne Riley and Mike Serino. Saugus Veteran’s Council Commander Steve Castinetti gave a speech.

Taps was played by Sylvia Renda of Judge Holten Society NSCAR. The Ceremony ended with a Benediction presented by Chaplain Paula Walsh, Parson Roby Chapter, NSDAR. Our Parson Roby Chapter gave appreciation to the following: Veterans Service Officer Paul Cancelliere, Salem High School Jr. ROTC, Sgt. Major Sumner & Lt. Col. Grace, Vietnam Veteran Gordon Shepard, John Falasca and staff of Saugus Riverside Cemetery, and appreciation to all the sponsors and volunteers who assisted in honoring our Veterans.

A thoughtful quote of how to place a wreath on a Veteran’s grave was captured on the Parson Roby Chapter DAR Ceremony brochure: “We encourage every volunteer here today, who places a wreath on a veteran’s grave, to say that veteran’s name aloud and take a moment to thank them for their service to our country. It’s a small act that goes a long way toward keeping the memory of our veterans alive.”

DAR served hot cocoa & Christmas donuts and many left warmer than when they arrived.

Thank you to this year’s Wreaths Across America sponsorships. For 2025 Wreaths we have the following special: BOGO 2 for 1 – if you would like to get a head start on next year’s Wreaths Across America sponsorship, now until Jan 15, your order will be doubled.  This year we had 760 sponsored wreaths but hope to reach our goal of 1,200 to cover all veterans’ graves in Riverside Cemetery. Please use the following link

www.wreathsacrossamerican.org/MA0136P