THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FriDAy, DECEmbEr 22, 2023 Page 11 Giving of Time and Honor A veteran answered the call of duty as Saugus observed Wreaths Across America ceremony at riverside Cemetery (Editor’s Note: Joan Allbee, daughter of a World War II Purple Heart Recipient, submitted this article to share her observations about last Saturday’s [Dec. 16] Wreaths Across America event at Riverside Cemetery in Saugus.) N avy and Marine Veteran Jack Marino played a major role in honoring 150 veterans buried in the Riverside Cemetery graves last Saturday at the Wreaths Across America ceremony. On an unusually warm December day at the event sponsored by The Parson Roby Chapter, National Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) and Judge Samuel Holten Society Children of the American Revolution (CAR), Jack served as both volunteer and participant. He filled in and honored the United States Merchant Marines in the Wreath Laying of Ceremonial Wreaths. Jack also assisted in obtaining 150 additional wreaths donated by his daughter, Tracey Marino, and Keith Babcock of the Ice House in Topsfield. With family, Jack piled Jack Klecker’s truck to the brim with generosity of wreaths, then they headed to the Saugus cemetery. At 8 a.m. on the Friday morning before the ceremony, volunteers were needed for various positions. Jack assisted with the traffic from the DAR wreath loaded tractor trailer for Wreaths Across America. The trailer parked on Winter Street was too big to make the turn, so Jack assisted with organizing the traffic of volunteers’ trucks loading wreaths and crossing over into the cemetery. He then shared some unloading duties in the cemetery in preparation for Saturday’s honoring event. Jack is the Adjutant for Saugus Veterans Council. At the opening of the ceremony, there was the mentioning of the wreath placeSharon Genovese and Dottie O’Toole got their wreaths from a collection point in Riverside Cemetery before going out to lay them on Saugus veterans’ graves. (Courtesy photo of Joanie Allbee) ment policy in one section. The wreaths in that section could only be placed in the corners instead of directly on the soldiers’ graves. Jack felt downhearted as well as others that no wreaths could be placed in the World War II Vietnam Section. “I think all of the veterans should be honored,” Jack said. “No Man left behind. The WW-2 Vietnam section should be included and the town should take a closer look at that policy, the grass is dormant in the winter.” Jack said he doesn’t see how that would be an issue for the honoring of resting heroes with wreaths. He expressed his willingness to discuss it with whoever is in charge. Next year he would like to see wreaths in that section. He offered to go over with a group in the spring, to assist with cleaning the wreaths up if that is the problem. “I think all the Veterans need to be honored. That’s what Wreaths Across America is about,” Jack said. “Everybody came out and did a great job and I commend everyone who participated. Saugus should be proud; they do better than larger cities.” The ceremony began with a moment of silence, followed by a processional walk to the podium for the display of ceremonial wreaths, led by the Salem High School Jr. ROTC and Color Guard Commander Sgt. Major John Sumner. Chaplain Jacalyn Bracewell, Parson Roby Chapter, gave the Invocation. Tony Smith of CAR led the Pledge of Allegiance. Parson Roby Chapter Vice Regent Wendy Renda led the American’s Creed. President Caylee Cassarino of Judge Samuel Holten Society Children of the American Revolution read the CAR Creed. Thomas Bracewell, Husband of a DAR, sang the National Anthem, spurring whispers of admiration for his perfect pitch rendition. Parson Roby Chapter Regent Gail Cassarino mentioned the wreath policy in her opening speech. Next, each branch of the Parson Roby Chapter Treasurer Linda Ross displayed one of the 150 wreaths donated by Jack Marino’s daughter, Tracey Marino, and her husband, Keith Babcock, at last Saturday’s Wreaths Across America event. (Courtesy photo of Joanie Allbee) Military was honored by a service member in The “Wreath Laying of Ceremonial Wreaths.” Lt. Col. Mary McKenzie honored the United States Army. John Macauda honored the United States Marine Corps. Senior Chief Jack Klecker honored the United States Navy. Chief Master Sgt. Robert O’Toole honored the United States Air Force. Lloyd Sales honored the United States Space Force. Jane Conrad honored the United States Coast Guard. Gold Star Wife Dee Whittemore-Farris honored Prisoners of War and Missing in Action. Navy and Marine Veteran Jack Marino filled in at the last minute to honor the United States Merchant Marines. Regent Gail Cassarino gave closing remarks and then there was a rushing, windy scurry as many hands reached out across the cemetery to spread wreaths on silent soldiers’ graves to honor them. After a brief interview with Navy and Marine Veteran Jack Marino, his touching dedication for the soldiers and words stuck in my mind the whole weekend – the U.S. Military sacred commitment creed of “We leave no man behind” and Marino’s solemness, like as if, he was leaving men behind on the battleground by not getting to honor those wreathless graves of our heroes of yesterday. Dunkin’ and the Judge Samuel Holten Society donated coffee, cocoa and donuts. Children of the American Revolution served guests enthusiastically. 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