CARIBOU, Maine – Nearly 700 wreaths now adorn the headstones for veterans buried at cemeteries in central Aroostook County.
On Saturday morning, members of the Aroostook County Composite Squadron of the Civil Air Patrol laid 400 wreaths for veterans at Northern Maine Veterans Cemetery in Caribou. Later that day, the cadets did the same for 270 veterans at Fairmount Cemetery in Presque Isle. The squadron will also send around 40 to 50 wreaths to Togus National Cemetery in Augusta.
Fifteen youth cadets from the County Composite Squadron raised $3,200 in community sponsorships to purchase the wreaths, said 1st Lt. Christine Lister, who leads administration and personnel for the squadron.
This is the second year that cadets have raised funds for Wreaths Across America. The Civil Air Patrol is a youth and adult organization modeled on the military that focuses on community service.
While gathered at the Caribou cemetery Saturday, many cadets noted that they prefer to go by their rank and last name. Cadet Dionne, a youth member of Civil Air Patrol, said it was an honor to her and fellow cadets to salute local veterans.
“It’s important to remember and say the names of veterans that have been forgotten,” Cadet Dionne said. “It’s also important to see how much the community members here care about veterans.”
More than 50 community members, including those from local veterans organizations and cub scouts, helped the Civil Air Patrol place wreaths throughout the cemetery. During a short ceremony, they also placed wreaths in honor of service members from all branches of the military and those who are missing in action or prisoners of war.
“This is the most people I’ve ever seen [for Wreaths Across America],” said Roger Felix, commander for Caribou VFW Post 9380. “Let us show the next generation the importance of patriotism and freedom.”
Wreaths Across America began in 1992 when Morrill Worcester, owner of Worcester Wreath Company in Harrington, Maine, remembered the impact of a boyhood trip to Arlington National Cemetery. Thirty-one years later, Wreaths Across America now includes cemeteries in all 50 states.
This story was updated to correct the spelling of the name Morrill Worcester.
