To the editor:
For the second year in a row, I had the privilege to attend the Wreaths Across America ceremony held at Harding Stadium on Dec. 17.
What a beautiful, heart-wrenching ceremony.
At the conclusion of the ceremony, the volunteers, including myself, and led by Wendy Barr, go to the cemeteries and lay wreaths on the graves of our soldiers.
As I did the year before last, I laid a wreath on the grave of my father, Staff Sgt. Darrell Gaylord. I placed the wreath with such pride and love. Last year was even more special, because my son, Anthony, was with me, and we were able to place the wreath together. My dad was not just our dad and pap, he was our very best friend.
The real reason I wrote this is because Harding Stadium should be packed with people attending the ceremony.
In 2021, it was cold and raining. In 2022, it was downright freezing. That should not matter. Our soldiers, both men and women, risked and gave up their lives for us.
I sure hope this year, 2023, the stadium is packed as it should be. Wear extra clothes or bring an extra blanket. Believe me, you will feel better after.
Sara Gaylord DiCarlantonio
Steubenville