National Wreaths Across America Day in Agawam

On this day, veterans all the way from the revolutionary war through the present day are remembered. 22News spoke with a few of the hundreds of people laying wreaths on veteran headstones at the Massachusetts Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Agawam. They say it’s important to remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice year-round, but especially so during the holiday season.“Personally, my father’s here. It’s kind of a nice time to come and say hi to him during Christmas,” Michael said.Agawam resident Anthony DePalma told 22News, “It feels good. A lot of people here who can’t celebrate the holidays anymore, but it feels good that we can come here and help them celebrate.”Volunteers will lay wreaths at all of the headstones at the Massachusetts Veterans Memorial Cemetery. Their mission is to remember the fallen heroes and honor those that serve, as well as to teach the next generation the value of freedom, according to the Wreaths Across America website.Those laying wreaths addressed the fallen soldier by name to express gratitude personally.“I think it’s really important to have that concept of service before self,” continued Brunelle, “Any of these people here that have literally chosen to possibly give their life in service of their country is just an amazing, amazing thing.”22News asked two young attendees what they’d want to tell those laid to rest at the cemetery. Ethan and Hunter’s response, “I would want to say, thank you for being our soldiers.” “Yeah, me too!”Agawam joined nearly 3,500 locations nationwide honoring and remembering our nation’s veterans who have been laid to rest, including Arlington National Cemetery.