Wreath laying at Madingley American Cemetery Dec. 10

Published Dec. 2, 2011
By Senior Airman Lausanne Morgan
48th Fighter Wing Public Affairs

ROYAL AIR FORCE LAKENHEATH, England -- Every year throughout the United States, members and volunteers of Wreaths Across America lay fresh wreaths on the gravestones of fallen servicemembers to honor them and the sacrifices they have made.

A fresh wreath will be laid at Madingley American Cemetery in Cambridge, Dec. 10, at 12 p.m. This is the first time such a ceremony will be held in the United Kingdom.

"It is our duty as servicemembers to honor our fallen brothers and sisters and those missing in action," said Tech. Sgt. Matt Perry, 48th Equipment Maintenance Squadron assistant NCO in charge of repair and reclamation. "This is one way we can pay tribute to these heroes."

With 3,812 servicemembers buried at the cemetery, the organization's goal is to have a wreath laid for each gravestone.

"Each [gravestone] deserves a wreath in my opinion," said Michael Green, Madingley Cemetery superintendent. "We can give them the gift of honor and remembrance for what they did for us."

In addition to this ceremony, ceremonies will be held in all 50 states as well as numerous American cemeteries around the world.

For the opportunity to order and donate a wreath, email Cambridge@abmc.gov.

For more information about the WAA, visit www.wreathsacrossamerica.org.