Wreaths Across America visits the Basin
Many graves at the Ephrata Cemetery were covered in snow and ice so the Columbia Basin Composite Squadron of the Civil Air Patrol and volunteers laid wreaths along the path of the road through the cemetery.
REBECCA PETTINGILL/COLUMBIA BASIN HERALD
Some of the few uncovered veterans’ graves were laid with wreaths by cadets of the Columbia Basin Composite Squadron of the Civil Air Patrol.
EPHRATA - Columbia Basin Composite Squadron of the Civil Air Patrol and volunteers laid wreaths at the Ephrata, Quincy Valley and Soap Lake cemeteries Saturday in honor of Wreaths Across America Day.
WAA Day’s purpose is to remember the fallen, honor those that serve and their families, and teach the next generation the value of freedom.
Part of the reading from the Ceremony Script by Lt. Col. Roger Patry stated:
“Remember, we are not here today to ‘decorate graves.’ We are here to remember not their deaths, but their lives. Each wreath is a gift of appreciation from a grateful America.”
Many graves at the cemeteries were covered in snow and ice so the wreaths could not be laid directly on veterans’ graves as intended. The local squadron laid wreaths at the Ephrata Cemetery instead along the path of the road through the cemetery.
Rebecca Pettingill may be reached at rpettingill@columbiabasinherald.com.
