By Joe Siegel
Hundreds of town residents gathered at the Veterans Memorial at Redway Plain Saturday to honor the sacrifices of those who gave their lives for this country.
The event was part of the National Wreaths Across America Day 2024. Over 600 wreaths were purchased through donations and placed at the graves of veterans in the Rehoboth Village Cemetery on Bay State Road.
Speakers included Selectman David Pereira and State Rep. Steve Howitt, R-Seekonk.
“Remembrance is a living act,” said Pereira, who served in Iraq in the Marine Corps. “It’s something that should live in our hearts all the time. We owe so much to the men and women who fight for this country.”
“It’s so difficult for them to relive what they’re gone through or what they’ve seen,” Howitt said of the veterans.
Howitt called Pereira “a true hero” and thanked him for his service.
“We are here to remember not their deaths but their lives,” said Jaime Papineau, Location Coordinator for the event. “Each wreath is a gift of appreciation from a grateful American. These live Balsam fir symbolize our honor to those who have served and are serving in the Armed Forces and our nation and to their families who endure sacrifices on our behalf. So as a nation standing together we can defeat terrorism, hatred, and injustice. Thanks to our veterans we have the freedom to do just that.”
Margie Rieske read a poem called “You Are Remembered”: “Every precious freedom that we have, each veteran has served to earn.”
Wreaths were laid in front of the memorial gazebo for members of each branch of the military, the US Space Force, US Merchant Marines, POW/MIA, firefighters/first responders, and members of law enforcement.
Craig Grant performed the National Anthem.
Members of the Dighton-Rehoboth Regional High School Band performed before the ceremony.
The Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts led the Pledge of Allegiance.
Lt. Stephen Small of the Pawtucket Fire Department gave a bag piper salute at the conclusion of the ceremony.
For more information, visit https://www.wreathsacrossamerica.org.
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