Bristol hosts Wreaths Across America ceremony at Lewis Street Cemetery

Bristol Veterans participating in Wreaths Across America. | Neal Supranovich

By Neal Supranovich

On Saturday, Dec. 14, Bristol marked its participation in Wreaths Across America with a solemn ceremony at the historic Lewis Street Cemetery. The event, held at noon, was one of 4,909 wreath-laying ceremonies conducted across the country as part of the annual observance.

Organized by the Katherine Gaylord Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR), the ceremony honored veterans, including those who served in the Revolutionary War and are buried at the cemetery. The DAR raised funds for the wreaths and invited local residents to join in the tribute to remember and honor these service members.

The ceremony began with the posting of colors by local Boy Scouts, followed by a blessing of the wreaths by a local pastor. Afterward, “Taps” was played, and the colors were retired in a respectful conclusion to the event.

American Legion Post 2 was also asked to participate, setting up a POW/MIA Table to honor missing and fallen service members. Longtime member Joe Caminiti, a World War II Marine veteran and Iwo Jima survivor, placed the Marine Corps flag at the ceremony. Dick Fitz, a World War II Navy veteran, placed the Navy wreath. Other veterans from various branches of the military, including the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Coast Guard, Air Force, and Space Force, also participated in laying wreaths.

In addition to wreaths for each military branch, two special wreaths were placed to honor POW/MIA veterans and emergency responders.

The Wreaths Across America ceremony at Lewis Street Cemetery was a tribute to those who served and sacrificed for the nation, with community members coming together to honor their memory during this holiday season.


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About the Author

Laura Bailey
Photographer and photojournalist living in Bristol Connecticut

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