Local CAP squadron helps with wreath laying

Submitted Story

Published: Wednesday, January 21st, 2009

The Crazy Horse Composite Squadron of the Civil Air Patrol was among those who participated in the Wreaths Across America program at the Hot Springs National Cemetery Dec. 13. The program honors serviceman buried at the site.

        National cemeteries across the country, along with some overseas cemeteries, came together on Dec. 13 to place wreaths in honor of the veterans of the armed forces.  The Wreaths Across America (WAA) program began in 2006 at Arlington National Cemetery and has spread to a nationwide event. The Crazy Horse Composite Squadron of the Civil Air Patrol (CAP)  participated for the second year in the Wreaths Across America WAA program at the Hot Springs National Cemetery. Cadets from Custer and Hot Springs, including C/SSgt. Justin Bierwirth, C/MSgt Angelica Cachro, C/2Lt Victoria Cachro, and C/SrA Thomas Mossman, along with Major Vicky Marking, 2Lt. Duane Martinz, and sponsor Kris Bierwirth participated. Their role included distributing the specially made wreaths to the veterans designated to represent the various branches: Cindy Tschetter representing the Army, Bill Barlow representing the Navy, Bob “DOC’ Baty representing the Marine Corps, Martin Mahrt representing the Air Force, David Fluck representing the Coast Guard, Keith Blume representing the Merchant Marines, and Virgil Kock representing the POW/MIA. The ceremony began at 10 a.m. with one minute of silence. Martinz presented the same WAA’s emotional speech that was being read across the country that day. In an excerpt specifically addressed to the youth who were present, the script stated, “To our children, we want you to understand that the freedoms you enjoy today have not been free at all, but have come with a cost that someday you may have to pay yourself. As a nation standing together, we can defeat terrorism, hatred and injustice. Thanks to our veterans, we have the freedom to do just that.” The wreaths were placed by the service representatives one at a time to honor past veterans of each branch. The VFW Rifle Team then presented a rifle salute, followed the playing of “Taps” by Ben Hobbs of Pringle. Martinz suggested that each person in attendance stroll around the cemetery, write down the name of a fallen veteran, and research their past life to make the experience more personal. At the conclusion, Martinz invited the audience to help distribute additional wreaths that were purchased and donated by various sponsors from Custer and Hot Springs and even from Tucson, Ariz. The local squadron plans to continue participating WAA.  Sometime in May 2009, CAP will look for sponsors in hopes of having many more wreaths to place next December.  Ideally, a wreath could be laid on each of the 1400 headstones at the Hot Springs National Cemetery. For more information visit www.WreathsAcrossAmerica.org or call Vicky Marking at 673-2025.