On a brisk but sunny Saturday morning, Longmont residents assembled at the heart of Mountain View Cemetery, standing before the Statue of the Unknown Soldier, uniting for a heartfelt tribute.
They were there for a ceremony of respect, to place remembrance wreaths upon the sacred resting places of our nation’s heroes, carrying the weight of reverence as they spoke aloud the names of each veteran.
Atop a gentle rise stood the Statue of the Unknown Soldier, a solemn sentinel overlooking the sprawling grounds, looking as if he had just gotten back from the Battle of Gettysburg.
Families, with generations spanning from the elderly to the tiniest toddler, traversed the dusty paths, converging upon the heart of the cemetery. As they arrived, a bustling camaraderie embraced them — an atmosphere thick with hugs exchanged and the comforting aroma of freshly brewed coffee mingling in the crisp air.
An assembly of volunteers, spirited Boy Scouts and veterans from the American Legion Post 32 Honor Guard stood poised draped in flags preparing for their movements and lack thereof in the ceremony. Wreaths encircled a mound of greenery around the back and sides of the Unknown Soldier waiting to grace the resting places of the departed heroes.
Eight local veterans, each a steadfast emblem of their respective military branches, gathered on the far side of the statue. Their demeanor, a blend of reverence and duty, encapsulated the weighty responsibility they shouldered to stand as representatives with wreaths held close, speaking volumes even in the absence of words.
Among those in the crowd was Beverly Stokes, the devoted wife of the late Charles Klarich, a stalwart figure who not only dedicated himself to the Army but also served the community of Longmont as a city manager during the growing decades of the 60s and 70s.
“The wreath symbolizes more than just remembrance; it carries a certain degree of recognition for one’s service. Think about how we honor someone when they pass away. We often turn to flowers, placing them around the cemetery. It’s akin to Christmas in a way,” Stokes said. “We want to ensure that we keep acknowledging and paying attention to … we don’t want to forget because, without their sacrifices, we wouldn’t be here.”
At 10 a.m. the ceremony commenced with the “Pledge of Allegiance” and a verbal prayer. Then Delaney Dreckman, Wreaths Across America location coordinator for Mountain View Cemetery, addressed the assembled attendees.
“Millions of Americans gather in one nation to remember, honor and teach. We are all proud to be Americans living in a free society made up of many people from many walks of life,” Dreckman said. “The freedoms we enjoy have not come without a price. Before us and in cemeteries throughout this nation are men and women who gave their lives so that we can live in freedom and without fear.”
Dreckman conveyed appreciation for veterans and active-duty service members, recognizing their commitment. She emphasized that today was a moment to honor and reflect on those who have served and continue to safeguard the innocent and oppressed, expressing gratitude to those who answered the call to serve the country.
“Freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction,” Dreckman said. “Today, we show a united front of gratitude and respect across the United States of America as we remember the fallen and those who serve in their families and teach the next generation the value of freedom.”
Sequentially, the eight representatives, each from a branch of the armed forces, approached the Statue of the Unknown Soldier with deliberate, unhurried strides. Methodically, they positioned wreaths upon a tripod stand, offering a silent salute to honor the Unknown Soldier.
Next, the Mead Middle School Choir performed the “American Memorial Round,” each boy and girl embracing their distinct role brimming with pride while collectively delivering a poised and composed rendition.
“Remember, we are not here today to decorate graves. We are here to remember not their deaths but their lives. Each wreath is a gift of appreciation from a grateful American,” Dreckman said. “These wreaths symbolize our honor to those who have served and are serving in the armed forces of our great nation and to their families who make sacrifices every day on our behalf."
The ceremony concluded with a respectful tribute, asking attendees to place their hands over their hearts during the sounding of “Taps,” a gesture honoring the veterans.
After the ceremony, Stokes, among the numerous attendees, gravitated towards the mound of wreaths amidst the crowd. With deliberate steps, she made her way with a wreath in hand towards the resting place of her beloved late husband. Stokes carefully placed a wreath before Klarich’s grave, she whispered his name, a tribute uttered with reverence and love, followed by a prayer in his memory.
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