On Saturday, December 13th, “National Wreaths Across America Day” was held at Arlington National Cemetery and over 5,000 other cemeteries across the United States, as well as overseas.This solemn day saw over two million volunteers place wreaths on the graves of US military veterans, ensuring that their service – and, oftentimes, their sacrifice – will never be forgotten.

Back home in Lakewood Township, hundreds of veterans are interred at Woodlawn Cemetery – the iconic local cemetery on Clifton Avenue, which was founded in 1872.

This year, for the first time, Lakewood Township sponsored 100 wreaths for placement on local veteran graves. This poignant project was initiated by Mayor Ray Coles, who personally placed many of the wreaths himself.

The Mayor was joined by his wife Jan and family; as well as a group of Township employees representing the Lakewood Police Department; Lakewood EMS; and the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) Union.

The Mayor and other volunteers personally placed the wreathson an individual grave-by-grave basis; pausing to read each grave’s inscription. “There is something uniquely moving about standing before the grave of a veteran who served our country; and perhaps even gave their life in service,” Mayor Coles reflects. “Three generations of my family, as well as Township employees of all ages, said ‘Thank You’ – to ensure that no matter how many years have passed, our local heroes will be remembered and appreciated for eternity.”