Be Better Than Yesterday: By Remembering The Fallen

ENFIELD, CT — On a brisk Saturday afternoon at St. Patrick’s Cemetery, residents joined veterans, elected officials, members of our armed forces, and representatives of emergency services and law enforcement paying tribute to those who made the ultimate sacrifice. With the sun glistening off fresh packed snow, the names of these fallen heroes were read off, each followed by the ringing of a bell by PFC Veronica Pike.

This ceremony was made possible by Pamela Townsend, Wreaths Across America, and those who chose to sponsor a wreath to be laid at the final resting place of those who died in the line of duty. Thanks to the generosity of countless volunteers and contributors, over 1.8 million wreaths were laid at cemeteries in Enfield and around the country.

“As we stand here today,” said Townsend, MC of Saturday’s ceremony, “we are reminded that the freedoms we enjoy today have not come without a cost. Lying here before us, and in cemeteries throughout this nation and around the world, there are men and women who gave their lives so we could live in freedom and without fear”.

“We thank those who gave their lives to keep us free,” continued Townsend, “and we shall not forget. We will remember.”

As a town, a community, a nation, and as individuals, we have a choice. We can choose whether we want to make this world a better place. We can choose to take positive actions to help us all be better than yesterday. Some choose to do this by serving in our armed forces, our police and fire departments, and as front-line workers and emergency responders. And we thank them and their families for their service and sacrifices.

Others also make a difference by honoring those men and women whose lives were lost defending the freedoms we hold so dear. To Pamela Townsend and all those who donated their time and money in a show of respect, thank you for providing an example as to how a small act of kindness can be truly impactful.

“As we come to an end to today’s ceremony,” closed Townsend, “I would like to thank each of you for your dedication, participation, and wreath sponsorship… Each wreath is a gift of appreciation from a grateful nation. They symbolize our honor to those who have served and are serving in the armed forces of our great nation, and to their families who endure sacrifices every day on our behalf.”

For more information about Wreaths Across America, including how you can sponsor a wreath, please visit https://enfieldwaa.wordpress.com/ or, on Facebook, https://www.facebook.com/groups/347473471996861. To watch the ceremony, you can view it at https://www.youtube.com/watch?fbclid=IwAR2FwUDd0kpFY3MWMabi9xOUvyMVLYbU1ByPwObd03IZ3RN2_GrMyQFCHRc&v=20cgAAP5m2w&feature=youtu.be.