Wreaths Across America ceremony honors veterans at Casimir Cemetery

National Wreaths Across America Day was observed Dec. 13 at Adena’s Casimir Cemetery, joining 4,900 locations across the United States. Wreaths were also placed at Rehoboth, Holmes and Adena Presbyterian cemeteries.

The event opened with a moment of silence led by Roger Sliva, followed by the posting of the colors by the honor guards. Sliva, a member of Adena’s American Legion Post 525, noted that ceremonies were taking place in all 50 states and at 26 American cemeteries overseas, “ensuring that we honor and remember our heroes wherever they rest.”

“Today, more than ever, we reflect on our nation’s veterans and active duty service members who have had to continue to fight to protect the innocent and oppressed,” Sliva said to the crowd gathered on a cold Saturday afternoon. “Many of you here today have answered that call and served your country well. For this, we say, ‘thank you,’ and we are honored to know you. There are many men and women serving today in all branches of the military, here at home and in places far away, that most of us have never heard of.”

Eight wreaths were laid to honor the Army, Marine Corps, Navy, Air Force, Space Force, Coast Guard, Merchant Marines and POW/MIA.

Adena Mayor Brenda Roski attended and thanked Sliva for his efforts, encouraging residents to continue supporting the event and to bring others with them in future years.

Near the ceremony’s end, Sliva stood beside the grave of John Melchioris, a World War II veteran and Battle of the Bulge survivor, as was his father, Paul. Sliva shared a memory of Melchioris, who once told him that if he described what they had to do to survive, “you’d call me a liar.”

“It is important to have that intimate moment with the hero you are honoring, but please remember to take a step back and look at the complete picture of what all of us have accomplished through the mission to remember, honor and teach,” Sliva said.

Frank Zamski concluded the ceremony with the playing of Taps.