Over 7,500 fallen veterans honored during wreath laying ceremony at Long Island National Cemetery
Volunteers, military families and members of the Civil Air Patrol gathered in Farmingdale to place more than 7,500 wreaths on the graves of fallen veterans.
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More than 7,500 wreaths were placed on the graves of fallen military veterans at Long Island National Cemetery in Farmingdale as members of the Civil Air Patrol, military families and volunteers came together to ensure no one was forgotten.
The annual effort serves as a reminder of the sacrifices made by those who served, according to Civil Air Patrol member Michael Gieraltowski.
“It helps people remember and honor the sacrifice of the people who are laid to rest here,” Gieraltowski said. “That they gave to defend our country.”
Many participants either brought wreaths of their own or stepped in to help place them, working side by side to make sure every grave was honored.
“There’s only a small percentage of people that serve in the military that defend our country,” Gieraltowski said. “This is an opportunity for the larger public to remember and show their support for those that serve.”
For U.S. Army veteran Robert Gaba, the tradition is deeply personal. He has taken part in the wreath-laying for 14 years and says he has not missed a single one.
“It’s an honor to go to each one of the graves,” Gaba said. “The reason we come is obviously to honor all those people.”
Gaba says the commitment extends beyond just one day a year, calling it a responsibility for those connected to the military.
“There’s thousands of people here and that’s great,” he said. “But since we are associated with the military, this is something we should do. It’s not only an honor to do, but also a responsibility we feel.”
More than 3 million wreaths were placed at over 4,900 hundred locations across the country last year.
