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NC CAP Squadrons Participate in Wreaths Across America

CAP cadets from the Orange County Composite Squadron (MER-NC-150) and cadets from the Iredell Composite Squadron (MER-NC-162) present the colors at the Wreaths Across America ceremony at the Salisbury National Cemetery on Dec. 13, 2014.
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CAP cadets from the Orange County Composite Squadron (MER-NC-150) and cadets from the Iredell Composite Squadron (MER-NC-162) present the colors at the Wreaths Across America ceremony at the Salisbury National Cemetery on Dec. 13, 2014. Photo Credit: SM Lynne Albert, PAO, MER-NC-150 (click image to view full size)
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Orange County and Iredell Composite Squadrons team up to honor veterans

12/20/2014––Members of Civil Air Patrol’s Orange County Composite Squadron and Iredell Composite Squadron are proud to have partnered with Wreaths Across America, a nonprofit organization that recognizes U.S. military veterans, by placing remembrance wreaths on the graves of the fallen during the year-end holiday season. 

 
Cadets from both squadrons served in the color guard for the wreath-laying ceremony at the Salisbury National Veterans Cemetery in Salisbury, NC on December 13th.  Capt. Pete Wehr, Commander of the Orange County Composite Squadron, stated “we will never forget those who have paid the ultimate sacrifice to protect America.”
 
The Wreaths Across America ceremony in Salisbury began with the Patriot Guard motorcycle riders arriving with their American flags flying.  The Patriot Guard ringed the event with America flags for the duration of the ceremony.  Mr. Ronnie Faggart, the Event Coordinator, gave a moving speech thanking all veterans, past and present, for their sacrifices on behalf of America. CAP cadets from the Orange County Composite Squadron (MER-NC-150) and CAP cadets from the Iredell Composite Squadron (MER-NC-162) then presented the colors, followed by a 21 gun salute.  Gold Star families presented 7 ceremonial wreaths representing the 7 branches of the U.S. military.  After the speech and presentations, CAP cadets, veterans and families spread out through the cemetery to place the remembrance wreathes on the gravestones. 
 
By placing remembrance wreaths on the graves of military veterans during the holiday season, Wreaths Across America and the Civil Air Patrol seek to remember, honor and teach others about the courage and sacrifices of U.S. veterans who have served in the Armed forces. Wreaths Across America culminated this year on Dec. 13 with an estimated 20,000 volunteers placing up to 227,000 wreaths on gravesites at Arlington National Cemetery and many of Arlington’s memorials, including the Tomb of the Unknowns. Simultaneous ceremonies were held throughout the day at more than 1,000 veterans’ cemetery or war memorial sites in all 50 states, as well as 25 foreign locations.  
 
Civil Air Patrol is the largest group fundraising for Wreaths Across America, and its members also lead or participate, often with color and honor guards, in many of the ceremonies at war memorials and cemeteries held nationwide and abroad. Officers and cadets from about 400 CAP squadrons, including the Orange County Composite Squadron, participated in National Wreaths Across America Day observances on Dec. 13 at national cemeteries and war memorials in their regions, states and communities. 

 

“Civil Air Patrol takes pride in honoring those who have served our country,” said Lt. Col. J.D. Ellis, CAP’s 2014 national Wreaths Across America coordinator. “This is our way of expressing our appreciation and paying tribute for the sacrifices made for our country by our service men and women.”

 

The Orange County Composite Squadron meets weekly on Thursdays from 7-9 PM at the Emergency Management Center, 510 Meadowlands Dr., Hillsborough, NC. If you are interested in learning more about Civil Air Patrol, contact CAP at OrangeCountyCAP@gmail.com.