As Christmas draws nearer, the majority of society is caught up in the hustle and bustle of shopping for presents, baking cookies and taking in as many light shows as humanly possible. But, according to Bucks County District Attorney Matthew Weintraub, we’re able to enjoy these yearly activities because of our country’s silent heroes.
“All around us, unbeknownst to us, our men and women in blue and our service members are keeping us safe by defending our freedom,” he said. “They are sworn to protect us.”
Weintraub was a guest speaker at Northampton Township’s annual Hometown Heroes Wreath Laying ceremony, which took place on Saturday, Dec. 7, at Union Cemetery, 209 Almshouse Road, Richboro.
Hosted by the Northampton Township Veterans Advisory Commission, the event invites community members to place a wreath on the grave of each veteran and first responder at the site – a symbol to honor their service this holiday season.
“I’m often reminded when I’m asked to speak at an event like this that we live in a bubble,” Weintraub told attendees. “The other day, I was speaking with somebody who was honoring a police officer that literally saved somebody’s life with a tourniquet. He had the hardest time getting a hold of this police officer to laud him about it. And that’s because our first responders don’t do this for money. They don’t do it for attention. They don’t do this for the accolades or for the worship. They do it because of a call of duty.”
While Weintraub said he likes to think he could risk his life to save another, he admitted he’s unsure.
“I don’t think any of us know until we are put in that situation. And for that, I am very, very grateful to the men and women that we honor here today that have given their lives for us, but also to the men and women that are still doing this for us every single day without thanks,” he said.
A round of applause was given for members of the Tri-Hampton Rescue Squad, Northampton Township Fire Department and Northampton Township Police Department.
Next, guests heard a few words from the fire department’s deputy chief marshal Rob Holmes, who boasts 30 years as a volunteer firefighter and 19 years as a township employee.
“Northampton Township has a long history of community members serving the public. This is evident by the number of wreaths we are laying here today. One thing all of these responders have in common is that each person has dedicated a significant portion of his or her life to serving our community or our country,” Holmes said. “Our first responders and military are on call 24 hours a day to provide public safety and security. The wreaths serve as a reminder that we all play an important role in keeping our community and our country safe.”
Kristin Reilly, chairwoman of the Veterans Advisory Commission, explained the meaning behind the wreaths.
“The circular shape with no beginning or end represents eternity and never-ending love. The greens symbolize strength, endurance and lasting memories. The red bow is significant of the great sacrifices these heroes have made,” Reilly said. “These selfless heroes did not die in vain. The dash between their beginning and end is a tribute to the honorable life they lived.”
Although many “goodbyes” have been tearfully said at Union Cemetery, Reilly stressed that the wreath-laying ceremony isn’t meant to be sad.
“Today is different. Today, it is with great pride that we are gathered to pay tribute to the brave veterans and first responders who have laid their head here as their final resting place,” she said. “Today, we are not here to simply decorate grave sites with wreaths. We are gathered to honor, remember and thank our hometown heroes who have traded in their badges and brass for angel wings.”
After thanking all those who made the event possible, including Northampton Township Public Works Department, wreath sponsor Ed London Wreath Company and the St. Bede girls basketball team, who unloaded the wreaths in the rain, Reilly invited attendees to pick up a wreath.
A total of 400 were placed on the graves, with participants taking a brief moment at each site to pay homage to the person’s sacrifice. ••
Samantha Bambino can be reached at sbambino@newspapermediagroup.com
