HUDSON — Hudson cemeteries will join some 2,095 participating locations across the country to “remember, honor and teach,” as part of Wreaths Across America Day this weekend.

“The courage and sacrifice of our military veterans should never be forgotten. You can show them your appreciation and gratitude,” said Hudson location coordinator Christina Madden.

She is inviting all members of the community to join her and other organizers for the ceremony, which will take place at noon Saturday at Hills Farm Cemetery, 160 Derry Road, Hudson.

In addition to this location, Madden said volunteers also will place wreaths at seven other area cemeteries: Blodgett, Old Center, Sunnyside, Westview, Ford, Senter and Poor Farm.

She anticipates the ceremony at Hills Farm Cemetery will last about 30 minutes.

“The fire and police departments, the Board of Selectmen, the state VFW commander, American Legion members and others will participate,” Madden explained. “We will be placing ceremonial wreaths for each military service, MIA/POW, and for veterans in St. Patrick’s and Holy Cross cemeteries.”

After the ceremony, volunteers will lay wreaths on the headstones of these hometown heroes, recognize their service to our nation and show support for their families, as the veterans’ names are read aloud.

Madden estimates 115 volunteers will place at total of 375 wreaths among the eight cemeteries in Hudson. Additional volunteers will include Boy and Girl Scouts, a church youth group, a school group from PMA, individuals who will place a wreath at a family member’s grave and other patriotic citizens.

“We are forever grateful for the thousands of supporters who dedicate their time and effort to fulfilling our mission on a local level,” said Karen Worcester, executive director, Wreaths Across America. “These individuals and their communities know the value of remembering the fallen, honoring those who currently serve and teaching the next generation about the sacrifices made for our freedom every day, and without their continued support, Wreaths Across America would not exist.”

Wreaths Across America is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization founded to continue and expand the annual wreath-laying ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery begun by Maine businessman Morrill Worcester in 1992.

The organization’s mission – Remember, Honor, Teach – is carried out in part each year by coordinating wreath-laying ceremonies in December at Arlington, as well as at thousands of veterans’ cemeteries and other locations in all 50 states and overseas including the American Military Cemeteries in Normandy, France.

For more information, visit www.WreathsAcrossAmerica.org.

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