Wreaths Across America commemorated in U.K.

  • Published
  • By By Tech. Sgt. Lee A. Osberry Jr.
  • 48th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
MADINGLEY AMERICAN CEMETERY, England -- --  This year marks the first occasion upon which members of the 48th Fighter Wing and American Battle Monuments Commission have combined to hold a formal ceremony for Wreaths Across America at Madingley American Cemetery.

The event on Dec. 10, 2011, coincided with similar ceremonies across the U.S. Wreaths Across America's goal is to ensure that servicemembers' sacrifices are never forgotten. Seven wreaths representing the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, Coast Guard, Merchant Marine and Prisoners of War/Missing in Action were laid along with others that were donated.

"This ceremony shows the strength of its cause," said Col. John Quintas, 48 Fighter Wing commander. "The fact [that] it's spreading outside of the U.S. demonstrates that folks are dedicated to remembering all those that lost their life in World War II and all wars," he added.

The local ceremony was established after Michael Green, cemetery superintendent, contacted the Lakenheath chapter of the Air Force Sergeants Association, who in turn got the word out through various organizations including Airman Committed to Excellence, the Defender Council, Liberty 5/6 and others. Additionally, honor guards and other units from RAFs Lakenheath and Mildenhall teamed to ensure the event was a success.

"It was great how many people and organizations came together in that short amount of time to pay homage to those who have served and paid the ultimate sacrifice," said Tech. Sgt. Matthew Perry, 48th Equipment Maintenance Squadron repair and reclamation assistant NCO in charge and planning committee member.

Madingley is the final resting place for 3,812 American servicemen who perished during WWII and is Britain's only American military cemetery dedicated to that war. Located just outside the city of Cambridge and thousands of miles away from the continental U.S., the fallen are never alone as family and friends are always near.

"I'm here with our family overseas alive or dead," said Tech. Sgt. Patrick Cripps, 48th Logistics Readiness Squadron fuel support supervisor and event coordinator. "Our forefathers and past veterans fought hard to keep this soil free just like ours," he added.

The ceremony offered a unique opportunity for the local community to take part in this historic event.

"Plenty of people in the local community come and honor the American fallen, it's very powerful," said William Dwyer, Green Knights secretary and founding member.
For one American who has lived in the United Kingdom for more than 26 years the event was well worth it.

"We're so lucky to be amongst other Americans and share this with our British brothers and sisters," said Michael Allen, Marine Corps League, London Detachment 1088 commandant. "It brought a tear to my eye, and that doesn't usually come to a Marine I assure you," he concluded.

For more information about the American Battle Monuments Commission, visit http://www.abmc.gov/home.php.

For more information about the Wreaths Across America, visit www.wreathsacrossamerica.org.