Legion takes part in ‘at sea’ ceremonies
Saturday morning Dec. 17, at Tarpon Point Marina in Cape Coral, several hundred people assembled to honor our nation’s veterans by laying 7 wreaths “at sea.”
“This is an event that takes place at veterans’ cemeteries all across America,” American Legion Post #136 Commander Tom Lewis said. “Wreaths Across America places wreaths on veterans graves at more than 1,200 locations across the nation but this is the only one that honors those men and women who lost their life at sea or chose the sea as their final resting place.”
Pat and Nancy McCarn are “Location Leaders” for the Gulf of Mexico Wreaths Across America’s 8th year “sea event.” Standing before the “Missing Man Table,” Nancy McCarn emceed the land portion of the event.
“This year Wreaths Across America is honoring the U.S. Marine Corps and Marine Cpl Thomas ‘Tommy’ Jardas,” McCarn said. “Last January, Tommy, as he liked to be called, was aboard a Marine helicopter off the western coast of Hawaii when they collided with another helicopter. Tommy and 11 other Marines were lost that day and Tommy’s father, Tim Jardas, is with us here today. As a Gold Star parent, he will be laying one of the wreaths at sea today. We will also be honoring Petty Officer Second Class Jason ‘Jake’ Moletzsky and Chief Warrant Officer Brian Hornsby. Their Gold Star parents will also be placing wreaths in the Gulf of Mexico today.”
Lewis explained the POW/MIA “missing man” table and the sacrifices of military men and women missing and held in captivity.
“They are unable to be with their loved ones and families, so we join together to pay our humble tribute to them, and we bear witness to their continued absence,” Lewis said.
The mission of Wreaths Across America is to “Remember” fallen U.S. Veterans, “Honor” those who serve and “Teach” children the value of freedom.
“This year’s theme is to remember them by saying their names out loud,” Nancy McCarn said. “All of the participating organizations have provided the names of those who have passed away this year, those lost at sea this year and those who have taken part in the event since 2009. All of those names will now be read aloud.”
Approximately 200 names were read.
The Naval Sea Cadets Gulf Eagle Division presented wreaths to veterans Donna Hornsby, George Bailey, Tony Popillo, Lloyd Buck, Anne Crawford, John Moletzsky, Capt. Arens and Richard Plesak. The cadets and veterans carried the wreaths to the boat.
Approximately two dozen boats assembled at the marina. The fleet of boats were escorted from the marina by the U.S. Coast Guard Cutter “Carol D,” arriving at the site 3 miles in the Gulf of Mexico at precisely noon. Immediately after arriving, a flyover by the SeaRey Pilots and the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary Air took place.
Seven wreaths (from Su Ellen Florals) were placed in the sea representing the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Coast Guard, Merchant Marines and POW/MIAs.
Donna Hornsby placed the U.S. Army wreath in the sea in honor of her step-son CW3 Brian Hornsby.
Jardas placed the U.S. Marine wreath in the sea in honor of his son, Cpl Jardas.
The U.S. Navy wreath and U.S. Air Force was placed in the sea by veteran John Moletzsky.
The U.S. Coast Guard wreath was placed in the sea by veteran John Moletzsky in honor of his son PO2 Moletzsky.
The U.S. Merchant Marines POW/MIA wreaths were placed in the sea by Moletzsky.
“Amazing Grace” was sung by Ashlee Sluski, followed by the sounding of eight bells signifying the final change of watch. Passengers aboard the boats dropped thousands of rose petals into the sea as the ceremony was closed with the playing of “Taps” and the benediction from Col. Larry Agar.
Wreaths Across America placed nearly 1 million wreaths this year including 250,000 at Arlington National Cemetery where Cpl. Jardas is buried. His mother laid the wreath at his grave.