For the 10th year, the New Connecticut Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution took to Lake County cemeteries to honor fallen veterans as part of Wreaths Across America Day, this year themed “Live with Purpose.” And, of course, as in years past, the solemn significance and symbolism of placing wreaths on graves were not missed in remembering those who serve. This year, 2,200 veterans were recognized at Painesville’s Evergreen and Riverside cemeteries. According to Wreaths Across America, volunteers placed 3 million wreaths at 4,224 sites in 2023 by more than 3 million volunteers, a third of whom were children. This year, 4,900 locations were registered to host wreath ceremonies, noted DAR National Vice Chairperson, Wreaths Across America Debby Kocsis, who, once again, presided over the Dec. 14 ceremony at Evergreen. “Many groups and cemeteries in Northeast Ohio take part each year, and we have more and more children, including Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, 4-H members, Young Marines, and Civil Air Patrol and families participating,” she said. “There were (also) over 200 sponsorships from individuals and businesses with substantial support from veterans groups,” she added. Additionally, the organization awarded its recurring $1,000 scholarship, launched last year, to Sgt. Kayla Reedus, currently serving as a human resources specialist in the U.S. Army Reserve stationed out of Farrell, Pennsylvania. Reedus is pursuing a nursing degree at Lakeland Community College to become an officer in the U.S. Army Nurse Corps. Wreaths also made a $1,370 donation to “Honoring our Heroes,” a Mentor-based nonprofit established by John and Kim Norris that provides support and offers programs to veterans and first responders. Kocsis emphasized that “decorating graves” isn’t the purpose of Wreaths, but, as always, to remember, honor and teach. “We are here to remember not their deaths, but their lives, as each live balsam fir wreath symbolizes the collective appreciation from a grateful America,” she said, addressing the crowd. “To our children, we want you to understand that the freedoms you enjoy today have not been free but have come with a cost and sacrifice that you may have to pay someday. “Today, more than ever, we reflect on our nation’s veterans and active duty service members who have had and continue to fight to protect the innocent and the oppressed,” Kocsis added. “This nation has always been the first to stand up for the freedom of people from around the world. And many of you have answered that call and served your country well. For this, we say, ‘Thank you’ and we are honored to know you.” Wreaths Across America is a nonprofit organization founded to continue and expand the annual wreath-laying ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery begun by Maine businessman Morrill Worcester in 1992. The organization coordinates the wreath-laying ceremonies in December at Arlington, as well as in all 50 states and overseas. Daughters of the American Revolution National Vice Chair, WAA, Debby Kocsis, right, stands with Painesville At-Large Councilman and U.S. Army veteran Derrick Abney during Evergreen Cemetery’s “Wreaths Across America” ceremony on Dec. 14. (Chad Felton — The News-Herald)