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THE ICY WIND
Most of the human bodies within half a mile lay under the frigid ground. The living visitors did not appear to feel much warmer.
But perhaps the respectful ceremony held at Quantico Marine Base would have warmed the hearts of the fallen service members honored there.
At noon on Dec. 15, civilians and service members at cemeteries across the nation observed a full, timed minute of silence for those who have perished in uniform. This day-- a product of the Wreath Across America Program,--was also the 16th anniversary of the wreath-laying ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery.
At the cemetery at Quantico Marine Base, youth from the Civil Air Patrol (CAP) Fredericksburg Composite Squadron assisted with the services, laying out wreaths on 28 graves after the somber ceremony. Several months ago, the Fredericksburg Squadron campaigned for Wreaths Across America, raising money for the wreath sponsorships and raising awareness about veteran appreciation.
"I am not very active in Civil Air Patrol," said one CAP cadet, who admitted to tearing up during the ceremony. "But this is something more important than my preferences. This is about people who gave their lives for something bigger than themselves."
The opening ceremony began with an introductory statement read by Richard Pleasant, director of the Fredericksburg CAP Squadron. The minute of silence followed, and then a Navy color guard presented the colors. After the presentation of the colors, the wreaths were placed and the memorial speech read. The ceremony closed with the traditional "Taps."
Seven commemorative wreaths were presented: one for the Army, one for the Marines, one for the Navy, one for the Air Force, one for the Coast Guard, one for the Merchant Marines and finally, one for the prisoners of war and the service members missing in action. A member from each armed service placed the wreath corresponding to his or her branch, and a CAP cadet placed the MIA/POW wreath.
Veteran appreciation ceremonies and services such as this have a special significance to many Fredericksburg area teens.
"It's a small sacrifice for those who have given so much more," said the CAP lieutenant who directed the cadets in formation.
Those who attended the ceremony were challenged to find a gravestone and research the person buried there to keep the fallen from becoming mere statistics in the public mind. Statistics are numerous; the soldiers buried at the Quantico Marine Base span nearly every era of United States history. One of the more thought-provoking older plaques simply bears the name "Maggie," and below, the name of her husband.
Soldiers of myriad races and creeds are buried here, their personal beliefs honored on their headstones by simple crosses, stars, and other symbols. The fallen service members have not become statistics yet; they are, in the words of one of the cold gray headstones, "Never forgotten."
Jen Veldhuyzen is a CAP cadet and senior at Colonial Forge High School.