Wreaths Across America Makes a Stop in Holliston

December 20, 2022 / Chris Cain /

Holliston High School National Honor Society member Taryn Holmes (below) began in late October to organize the event that took place at Lake Grove Cemetery. Over 200 wreaths were delivered to the cemetery for distribution to veterans’ graves.

Taryn Holmes event organizer and MC welcomed the strong turnout of Hollistonians.

The several wreaths at the base of the flagpole were prepared and presented by Holliston’s veteran community, one each for the: Army, Navy, Marines, Air Force, Merchant Marines, Coast Guard, Space Force, and POW/MIA’s. Each wreath had a miniature U.S. and branch of service flag (or POW/MIA flag)

Hanna Germain spoke on behalf of the Children of the American Revolution noting the tribute being paid that day to those who proudly served our nation.

A view of the Color Guard, over 200 wreaths, and the large group on hand to pay their respects and distribute the wreaths to veterans’ graves.

The Color Guard made up of Holliston American Legion and VFW members and representatives from the Massachusetts Society Sons of the American Revolution (MASSAR) Colonel Henry Knox Regimental Color Guard. *Photo courtesy of Paul Saulnier*

Left, Steve Bradford, Past Commander of American Legion Post 47, spoke the honor being paid to our deceased vets and right, VFW Post 8507 Commander Dave DeGanne spoke of the sacrifices made to protect our freedom.

Left, Jim Holmes and right, Steve Cochrane of the MASSAR fired a salute volley to conclude the ceremony.

Taryn invited all in attendance to take wreaths to place them on a marked veteran’s grave. She asked that we pause at each marked grave to reflect on that person’s service.

As the wreaths were being places all around Lake Grove Cemetery, Taryn shared that she will be sponsoring the event next year – “starting a lot sooner to get all the paperwork in place sooner.”

Thank you Taryn for YOUR service to Holliston’s veterans!

Education People

Chris Cain

1 Comments

Lynn Marshall on December 20, 2022 at 9:58 am

Thank you, Taryn, for your commitment to remembering and honoring these Holliston veterans. Organizing an event such as this, writing articles seeking community involvement, coordinating the participants in the ceremony, and gathering volunteers to help place the 200 wreaths on the appropriate graves is quite an undertaking! Job well done, Taryn.

Reply