'They continue to be with us'

RATHDRUM — Although the snow was deep upon the gravesites, it was far surpassed by the depth of gratitude for America's heroes shared by those who gathered on a cold Saturday morning at Pinegrove Cemetery.

"That is why we are here today — to remember, honor and teach with this wreath-laying ceremony," Rathdrum Wreaths Across America master of ceremonies and Rathdrum American Legion Post 154 Commander Dee Sasse said to the many veterans, families and local dignitaries who attended the event.

"The Wreaths Across America program is to show our veterans and their families that we will not forget — we will never forget," Sasse said with emphasis. "There are many ways we remember and honor our veterans and teach the next generation to do the same. One way is to lay a wreath at every veteran's grave."

Coordinated by Post 154, the city of Rathdrum and a dedicated Wreaths Across America committee, nearly 270 fresh green holiday wreaths adorned with red bows were placed on the final resting places of military veterans interred at Pinegrove Cemetery.

Members of Boy Scout Troop 911 and others trekked through the snow to American flag markers indicating burial sites. They placed the wreaths with respectful salutes before moving on to the next.

Troop 911 Boy Scout Johnathon Eggart, 15, of Harrison, said it was an honor to participate.

"It's probably one of those experiences that will stay in my memory for a while, that I got to do something for the fallen," he said.

Before the wreaths were distributed, Lakeland High School student Kylee Martin performed "The Star-Spangled Banner" and John Brown Elementary students sang "Thank a Vet." A presentation of service wreaths honoring military branches and in remembrance of 9/11 and POW/MIA was conducted by representatives who placed wreaths on the Rathdrum Veterans Memorial in the heart of the cemetery.

Post 154 Service Officer Ruth Aresvik, who served in the Navy, placed the U.S. Merchant Marines wreath on the memorial.

"It's definitely an honor and a privilege to be able to be a part of this, no matter what the weather," she said. "We have a great turnout, the community supports us. It's just a real special feeling to be able to honor the veterans that are no longer with us. By laying that wreath and saying their name, we give them life. They continue to be with us."

Marsha Robertson of Athol attended the ceremony with her husband and their three youngest boys.

"My husband is an Army veteran. He served three tours in Iraq and suffers from PTSD," Robertson said. "It is always important for us to thank those who've served and who've given the ultimate sacrifice because we would not be able to even gather like this had it not been for what they did for us."

She said her sons understand how veterans bear unseen scars and that one of them is already planning to enlist when he turns of age.

"They're thankful," she said. "They want to show their appreciation."

Wreaths Across America Day is held each year in December at Arlington National Cemetery in Virginia. Events simultaneously take place at more than 3,400 other locations in all 50 U.S. states as well as at sea and abroad.

The Rathdrum Wreaths Across America has been an annual event since 2012.

Barbara Williams, in her third year as the event organizer, said every year more people show up.

"It seems to be growing," she said. "I just think it's awesome to respect our veterans and to do something like this in the community. Rathdrum's a great community for supporting our veterans."