LAKEWOOD – For the first time, Lakewood Township joined communities across the nation in observing National Wreaths Across America Day, honoring military veterans laid to rest at Woodlawn Cemetery on Clifton Avenue.
Hundreds of veterans are interred at the cemetery, which dates back to 1872. As part of the nationwide observance, volunteers place wreaths on the graves of U.S. service members at Arlington National Cemetery and thousands of other burial grounds across the country and overseas to ensure their service and sacrifice are remembered.
This year, Lakewood Township sponsored 100 wreaths for placement on local veterans’ graves. The effort was organized by Mayor Ray Coles, who participated directly in the ceremony and personally laid many of the wreaths.
Coles was joined by members of his family as well as township employees representing the Lakewood Police Department, Lakewood EMS and the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees union.
Volunteers placed each wreath individually, pausing at every grave to read the veteran’s name and service details.
Standing among the headstones, Coles said the experience carried deep meaning.
“There is something uniquely moving about standing before the grave of a veteran who served our country, and in some cases gave their life in that service,” Coles said. “Multiple generations of my family and township employees of all ages came together to say thank you, ensuring our local heroes are remembered and honored, no matter how much time has passed.”
National Wreaths Across America Day is observed annually as a reminder of the nation’s commitment to remember the fallen, honor those who serve and teach future generations the value of freedom.
