Several dozen people came out Saturday to honor veterans during the second annual Wreaths Across America ceremony and then placed wreaths on the graves of military members.
"Wreaths Across America-West Milford" got its start in 2018, courtesy of Evan LeMay and Matthew Hoffman, two patriotic West Milford High School students.
The young men collaborated with West Milford Military Moms and Wreaths Across America to begin honoring West Milford veterans laid to rest in three local cemeteries for their service and sacrifice.
Wreaths Across America is a national nonprofit organization that raises funds to pay for wreaths that community volunteers then place on veterans’ graves across the nation. A special tribute ceremony in their community further honors the veterans.
LeMay, who has since joined the U.S. Marines, attended the ceremony Saturday and helped place wreaths on graves in the community.
The torch has since been passed to Emma and Trevor Darnsteadt, to continue the program in the community.
Emma is a junior and Trevor is a freshman at West Milford High School.
Each year, the WAA national organization introduces a new motivational theme. This year’s theme is “Everyone plays a part.”
According to WAA-WM, the inspiration for this year’s theme came from the Wreaths Across America founder’s grandson, Miles, who thanked a service member in uniform for his service. The gentleman replied, “Thank you. ... Everyone plays a part."