Wreaths Across America Ceremonies Planned at New Britain’s Fairview Cemetery

Wreaths Across America of New Britain is holding its annual holiday Wreaths Across America Day to place more than 1,300 wreaths on veterans’ gravesites at the City’s Fairview Cemetery to honor their service and sacrifice

The event is to be Saturday, December 16, 2023 at 12:00pm. The event is organized annually by the Disabled American Veterans, Hardware City Chapter 8, who invite the public to attend.

Organizers say that,

Members of the Wreaths Across America of New Britain Planning Committee, a cross-section of representatives from the local business, non-profit and veterans service organization communities, along with community volunteers, will gather at the Veterans Section of Fairview Cemetery at 8 a.m. to manage the distribution and placement of the wreaths at veteran gravesites throughout the cemetery.

“Members of the public interested in assisting in wreath placements are asked to report to the Veterans Section of Fairview Cemetery no later than 8 a.m.,” event organizers add.

The DAV says that,

The December 16 ceremonies will feature special guest speakers Major Daniel Eddinger, USA, Retired, who is a Vietnam veteran, recipient of two Purple Hearts and Commander, Department of Connecticut Military Order of the Purple Heart; and City of New Britain Mayor Erin E. Stewart. Also taking part are Wreaths Across America of New Britain 2023 Honorary Chair State Rep. Donna Veach; Wreaths Across America of New Britain 2022 Honorary Chair Dorothy Weber; DAV Hardware City Chapter 8 Commander Dennis Taricani; New Britain Veterans Council President Tom Higgins; Pastor Thomas Mills of Grace Christian Methodist Episcopal Church; DAV Hardware City Chapter 8 Color Guard; New Britain High School JROTC Color Guard, Madrigal Singers and Golden Hurricanes Marching Band (cadence/taps only); and Marine Corps League, Hardware City Detachment 781 Rifle Squad; Also taking part are honorary designees who will place commemorative wreaths during the ceremony saluting the U.S. Marine Corps (Christie LaBella); U.S. Army (Elaine Pavasaris); U.S. Coast Guard (Don Naples); U.S. Navy (Robert Nowik); U.S. Air Force (Mike Kardok); U.S. Merchant Marines (Sondra Sanford); U.S. Space Force (John Hinrichs); and POWs/MIAs (Dorothy Weber).

If the weather is inclement, organizers say that the ceremonies are to be at the VFW Post 511 Hall at 41 Veterans Drive, and add that updates are available at facebook.com/wreathsfornewbritain.