RUMFORD — The 37th Composite Squadron of the Civil Air Patrol, Sundown Squadron, helped with numerous others to place wreaths on the graves of veterans on Dec. 12 at the Maine Veteran’s Memorial Cemetery in Augusta. The cemetery was one of many sites where such ceremonies were held across Maine and the nation.

As a key partner in Wreaths Across America for four Decembers, the Civil Air Patrol has adorned memorials and veterans’ graves with evergreen wreaths. 

The Civil Air Patrol’s Wreaths Across America program began in 2006 as an offshoot of the Arlington National Cemetery wreath project, which was started in 1992 with the annual placement of wreaths donated by Worcester Wreath Company. The 10,000 wreaths designated for Arlington, Va., are transported on a 750-mile journey from Harrington after a sendoff ceremony. The route is one of the longest annual veterans’ celebrations, with parades and ceremonies held at more than 20 stops along the way.

In 2008, 180 Civil Air Patrol squadrons led almost half of 372 observances and assisted at many additional locations, including the wreath-layings at Arlington National Cemetery and abroad. Some 241 squadrons nationwide sponsored 15,300 wreaths. More than 100,000 wreaths were sponsored by the public for placement on veterans’ graves in ceremonies in all 50 states.

The Civil Air Patrol’s Arlington observances included a wreath-laying ceremony at the Civil Air Patrol Memorial, the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and the Women in Military Service Memorial. Civil Air Patrol’s National Honor Guard took part in a ceremonial holiday wreath-laying at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C.

The Sundown Squadron was represented by Captain Joseph F. Roberts, squadron commander; Major Dr. Angella L. Roberts, the squadron health services officer; and Lt. Chris Bourgeois, the squadron personnel officer.