Veterans Honored by Putnam County Civil Air Patrol

Members of the Putnam County Composite Squadron joined over 400 Civil Air Patrol squadrons across the United States and overseas to honor the nations fallen on December 14 in observance of Wreaths Across America Day.

Civil Air Patrol officers and cadets, with local volunteers, placed 130 balsam remembrance wreaths on the gravesites of U.S. military veterans interred in the Raymond Hill Cemetery in Carmel in tribute to their service and sacrifice. Volunteers placing wreaths included New York State Senator Peter Harckham (40th district), and Civil Air Patrol’s South Eastern Group Deputy Commander, Major Mike Gasparini.

In opening remarks Major Elena MacDermant, squadron commander, expressed gratitude to the veterans in attendance for keeping the country safe. “Many of you here today have answered that call and served your country well. We are here today to say “Thank you” and we are honored to know you,” said MacDermant.

The ceremony is part of National Wreaths Across America Day – when citizens come together to remember the fallen, honor those who serve, and teach younger generations the value of freedom. Wreaths are placed at over 1,600 locations, with over 2 million volunteers participating nationwide. Nearly 1.8 million veterans’ wreaths were placed last year.

The cadet color guard team presented the colors to open the ceremony, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance and the placement of honorary wreaths for each of the five U.S. Armed Forces service branches. Taps were played at the conclusion and the colors retired. “Remember, we are not here today to decorate graves. We are here to remember not their deaths, but their lives. Each wreath is a gift of appreciation, from a grateful America,” said MacDermant.

The Putnam County Composite Squadron meets on Friday’s from 7 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. at the Paladin Center, 39 Seminary Hill Road in Carmel. To learn more contact Major MacDermant at (845) 216-5433, email elenamac@aol.com, or visit ny033.cap.gov.

Civil Air Patrol, the longtime all-volunteer U.S. Air Force auxiliary, is the newest member of the Air Force’s Total Force. In this role, CAP operates a fleet of 560 aircraft, performs about 90 percent of continental U.S. inland search and rescue missions as tasked by the Air Force Rescue Coordination Center and is credited by the AFRCC with saving an average of 80 lives annually. CAP’s 60,000 members also perform homeland security, disaster relief and drug interdiction missions at the request of federal, state and local agencies. In addition, CAP plays a leading role in aerospace/STEM education, and its members serve as mentors to over 25,000 young people participating in CAP’s Cadet Programs. Visit www.GoCivilAirPatrol.com or www.CAP.news for more information.