Wreaths Across America in Biddeford, Maine

01/11/2023

Council: 12941 - BIDDEFORD

Project Description:

The Knights of Columbus in Biddeford, Maine were successful in meeting their goal of getting Christmas wreaths on all the veterans’ graves in Biddeford as part of the national Wreaths Across America (WAA) program, committing to honor and remember veterans as well as teaching others about the sacrifices that veterans made for us. Brother Denis Litalien, a Location Coordinator for WAA and member of St. Joseph Council #12941 in Biddeford, Maine, organized the laying of wreaths at ST. Joseph Cemetery in Biddeford. Two weeks before the wreath-laying event took place, members of the three local councils, along with members of the local Rotary Club and other members of the community were rounded up to plant marker flags at all the veterans graves so they could be easily identified during the actual laying of the wreaths in the case of measurable snow concealing the grave markers. Plans were also formulated to place wreaths at all the cemeteries. A number of brothers were also involved in distributing wreaths to all the other cemeteries in Biddeford, implementing a delivery plan to feed each cemetery without having to maneuver large trucks through the narrow cemetery ways. Brother Litalien also participated in the National WAA program, picking up two tractor-trailer loads of wreaths from the manufacturer in Harrington, Maine to supply one load to Biddeford and one load to Arlington, VA. The St. Joseph Council members were also instrumental in getting the wreaths picked up in January, removing them before they deteriorated to the point of being disrespectful to those buried there.