Wreaths Across America Ceremony Hosted by New Pond Village at Terrace Hill Cemetery

Veterans and associates lay 150+ wreaths in ceremony
New Pond Village Resident veteran John Medailleu
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December '24

New Pond Village Brings Wreaths Across America to Terrace Hill Cemetery

New Pond Village residents and associates recently brought Wreaths Across America to the town’s Terrace Hill Cemetery in Walpole, Massachusetts leading a wreath-laying ceremony that marked the cemetery as an official Wreaths Across America location.

Honoring Veterans with Over 150 Wreaths

During the ceremony, 145 wreaths were placed on veterans’ graves, symbolizing Wreaths Across America’s mission to Remember, Honor and Teach. Eight additional wreaths honored each branch of the military and veterans listed as Prisoners of War or Missing in Action, ensuring their sacrifices are never forgotten.

Veterans Among the Honored Guests

Notable participants included New Pond Village residents and veterans John Medailleu, a Cold War-era Army helicopter pilot and John Tincler, a Navy serviceman during the Korean War. These individuals were among those who joined in this meaningful act of remembrance.

Adan Manchester, Ann Billings and veteran John Tincler
New Pond Village Campus Executive Director with residents John Tincler, a Korean War Navy veteran and Ann Billings lay a wreath at Terrace Hill Cemetery in Walpole. 145 headstones were adorned with fresh wreaths as gestures of respect and gratitude during the holiday season.

A Community Effort Led by New Pond Village

Adam Manchester, our Campus Executive Director, led a brief ceremony to commence the wreath-laying. This marked the first year that New Pond Village collaborated with the Town of Walpole to bring Wreaths Across America to the local community.

“New Pond Village deeply respects and honors its residents, taking pride in the community’s Veteran Tribute Wall and holding an annual event to recognize those who have served,” said Manchester. “Bringing Wreaths Across America to Walpole is a meaningful gift for our community this holiday season.”

A Veteran’s Perspective

For veteran John Medailleu, the event held personal significance: “To me, it’s an honor to be able to lay wreaths to recognize those who served in the United States Armed Forces. I’m grateful to be here today for this event.”

A National Effort of Remembrance

Terrace Hill Cemetery joined more than 4,225 Wreaths Across America sites nationwide. Many locations, including Walpole’s, held ceremonies on Saturday, December 14, the official National Wreaths Across America Day.

By participating in this program, New Pond Village and the Walpole community have ensured that the memory and legacy of veterans continue to inspire and teach future generations.

New Pond Village Resident veteran John Medailleu
New Pond Village resident John Medailleu pays respects to a veteran at Thursday’s Wreaths Across America wreath-laying ceremony at Terrace Hill Cemetery in Walpole, an official Wreaths Across America (WAA) location.
Compassion lives here.