Wreaths placed on veterans’ graves at Stonington cemetery
“There’s actually a Medal of Honor winner down this way that I’m sure has no family. And I’m going to make sure he gets a wreath.”
DON MARANELL
WREATHS ACROSS AMERICA PARTICIPANT
assistant deputy commander of the cadet program at the Civil Air Patrol’s Thames River Composite Squadron, told the assembled group of more than 50 people that he didn’t think the cadets would sell as many wreaths as they did during the first year.
Cadet Stephen Buchko, of Canterbury, placed a wreath honoring the U.S. Army in front of the cemetery’s Civil War memorial during the ceremony. There was one wreath for each branch of the military.
“We were told we’re doing this as a trial balloon, but it skyrocketed,” he said of the donations. Next year, the goal is to secure enough wreaths so all veterans’ graves can be decorated.
“We have to remember every veteran,” he said.
For Amy Stasko of Westerly, laying a wreath hits close to home while she waits for her brother to return from Iraq and a cousin from Germany.
Those buried in the cemetery with a history of military service didn’t necessarily give up their lives in service, but she said they “gave up their daily lives” while they served.
The Wreaths Across America movement started in 1992 at Arlington National Cemetery when the owners of a Maine-based wreath company decided to deliver their end-of-the-season surplus to a remote section of the burial ground that saw few visitors. This year, the organization counted more than two million wreaths donated for placement at cemeteries across the country.
The group’s fundraising website said sponsoring organizations like the Civil Air Patrol squadron can receive five dollars of each $17 wreath donation or can choose to receive one extra wreath for every two purchased. The wreaths are produced by Worcester Wreath Company, the same business that started the movement more than 30 years ago.
Among those buried in the Stonington Cemetery are veterans of wars dating back to the American Revolution, as well as figures in business, the arts and the sciences who are notable locally and beyond. The cemetery was awarded a spot on the National Register of Historical Places in 2018.
But nonprofit Stonington Cemetery Association President Kyle Berg emphasized that being historic doesn’t mean the cemetery is defunct. He said there is about one burial per month in the cemetery, which has plots available.
Don Maranell, a submariner for 20 years and Stonington first selectman from 19952001, knew where he was going to place the wreath when the volunteers scattered off across the cemetery.
“There’s actually a Medal of Honor winner down this way that I’m sure has no family,” he said. “And I’m going to make sure he gets a wreath.”
The grave identified Brig. Gen. John Babcock, 1843-1909, as a member of the U.S. Cavalry during the so-called Indian Wars. His Medal of Honor citation in the Army’s online archive said he was a lieutenant in 1869 when his troops were “attacked by a vastly superior force” of Native Americans.
“Advancing to high ground, he dismounted his men, remaining mounted himself to encourage them, and there fought the Indians until relieved, his horse being wounded,” the citation said.
Maranell acknowledged the military campaign against Native Americans is unacceptable by today’s standards.
“But in the context of the time, the man served his country,” he said.