A moving ceremony in the chill air at St. Agnes Cemetery gathered a large group of volunteers to help Wreaths Across America (WAA) Branford organizer Mark Hally distribute 1,100 wreaths at military graves at the town’s seven cemeteries on Saturday, Dec. 14.

Each year on National WAA Day, wreaths like those now gracing Branford veterans’ graves are placed on military graves at Arlington National Cemetery in Virginia and other military graves across the country in towns undertaking individual efforts like Hally’s. In 2022, WAA placed 2.2 million sponsored veterans wreaths on headstones of the nation’s service members at 3,702 participating locations, including Branford.

Maine wreath business owner Morrill Worcester began the tradition at Arlington National Cemetery in 1992 and founded the nonprofit WAA in 2007. Each year, an impressive, extensive WAA convoy travels from Harrington, Maine to Arlington bring wreaths to the national site.

Through the years, Branford veterans Dottie Packer (N.C. USN) and Pamela Bold (Health Services Chief, USCG), joined the convoy. Eight years ago, the convoy stopped in Branford, inspiring Hally to institute a WAA wreath-laying program in his town.

“I learned about it and decided to do it for my Eagle Scout project and continue it,” said Hally.

Hally got to work on the project and held the first WAA program in Branford in 2019.

On Dec. 14, Hally thanked major program supporters Branford Lions Club, Lockheed Martin, Ray Figlewski of Branford Road Race, and Yealands Wine for “...their generous donations that make this possible every year.”

Hally also thanked the Branford Fire Department for providing continued support of the event each year, and the Stony Creek Fife & Drum Corps for providing patriotic musical selections each year, including the Armed Forces Medley. During the ceremony, each branch of the military was also represented with a display of specially decorated wreaths beside the podium.

Branford Lions Club president David Goclowski served as master of ceremonies during the Dec. 14 event. Branford U.S. Air Force veteran Ray Ingraham (Sgt.) discussed the history and importance of honoring military graves through WAA, which has as its goal to help all “...remember, honor and teach.”

The ceremony concluded with a rifle squad salute by Branford military veterans, followed by Taps. Volunteers then gathered by the huge American flag hoisted on the ladder of Engine 1 for a group photo before fanning out to place wreaths at veterans graves across Branford. As part of the WAA tradition, volunteers were asked to say each veteran’s name aloud before placing the wreath at their grave.

Hally thanked everyone who came out to the ceremony to show their support, as well as the many individuals who have also contributed donations to help sponsor wreaths. Unfortunately, individual contributions have been declining in recent years, Hally said.

“I can’t do it without all the generous donations we get. We’re slowly losing donations, so if we can spread the word and make people aware, every little bit that we get helps,” Hally said. “This year, we were down 500 wreaths from our first year. Due to COVID and weather conditions, we have had to cancel several of our fundraisers and are in need of funds for next year.”

While this year’s WAA event in Branford has ended, now is the best time to make a donation to help ensure future events continue. From Dec. 14 through Friday, Jan. 17, 2025, WAA will match every online donation made at Hally’s Branford WAA page (wreathsacrossamerica.org/pages/160304 ).

“All donations made to this page will support the Branford cemeteries, and Wreaths Across America will be doubling all donations received through Jan. 17,” Hally said.

Checks are also welcome; made out to Wreaths Across America and mailed to: Mark Hally, 18 Wilford Avenue, Branford, CT 06405. To contact Hally, email wreaths06405@gmail.com