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ESPRIT Page 17 A very special thank you goes out to everyone who donates and supports the Toys For Tots program sponsored by the United States Marine Corps. Our unit has strong ties with the Conrad Kania Detachment of the Marine Corps League and working together we have helped many children enjoy Christmas. YMCpl Wohlleben of the Western NY Young Marines unit assisted Randall Rid- er of the Conrad Kania Detachment of the Marine Corps League load more than 400 toys and delivered them to the Buffalo Naval and Marine Reserve center. - Submitted by Kris Rider Adult Volunteer Western New York NY In Western New York TiesToys and Tots Wreaths Across America Delivering Respect by the Truckload By YMSgt Jonathan Gray II Upstate SC This past December the Wreaths Across America cam- paign came to Arlington Na- tional Cemetery in Arlington VA. Trace Adkins performed his hit song Arlington at the opening ceremony. That day 280815 graves were adorned with Christmas wreaths by more than 70000 volunteers. Some were there to place wreaths on a family members grave and the rest were there to show their respect.This was my first visit to Arlington National Cemetery. To visit on such a special day made it even more memorable. My family and I walked to the cemetery from our hotel in Pentagon City and as soon as I entered the front gate I was speechless. Ive seen the images of Arlington but nothing could prepare me for what I saw that day. I stood silently overwhelmed at the sight. As far as I could see in every di- rection were the graves of our nations heroes. Here resting in peace were the men and women who gave the ultimate sacrifice so that I could be free. I regained my composure and I walked for miles. It occurred to me that many of the graves hadnt been visited in quite some time. Im not able to express the feelings I had standing on this sacred ground among these heroes. After the opening ceremony we made our way to different sections of the cemetery to a transfer truck filled with 4000 wreaths. While I was standing in line one headstone under a tree on a nearby hill caught my eye. I asked my mom to save our spot in line and I walked to the grave. Once I got to the grave I kneeled down to get a closer look. Two stars were on this headstone. He began as an enlisted Private in December 1941 and retired a Major General. This was the grave where I chose to place my first wreath. Once I received my wreath from the truck I made my way back to the Generals grave. Before I placed the wreath I made sure it was perfect. I knelt down to place it at a 45 degree angle against his headstone and I bowed my head in a moment of prayer. I made my way back to the truck to get another wreath we were allowed only one at a time. I then went to locate the grave of a familyfriend who was killed inAfghanistan fiveyears ago. Placing a wreath at his grave was ex- tra special to me. My dad and I spent a lot of time here as we were feel- ing very close to our friend. Once again no words were spoken. I looked to the right and saw a man kneeling. One hand on the top of the headstone and the other hand cradled his face as he wept. His wife close behind him with her arms around him. My heart broke for them. We then observed a wreath laying ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknowns. A changing of the guard was in progress as I approached. I watched as the sentinel took his twenty-one steps. The twenty-one steps are a reference to the twenty- one gun salute which is the highest honor given any military or foreign dignitary. I noticed the sentinel did not execute an about face. This is intentional and so is the meaning. He stopped on his 21st step then turned and faced the Tomb for 21 seconds.He turned to face back down the matchanged his weapon to the outside shoulder for another 21 second count. Thats when he started another 21-step walk down the mat. This was impressive to watch We finished the day with another wreath ceremony at Presi- dent John Fitzgerald Kennedys grave. The eternal flame was intense. I was amazed that this flame has burned at Presi- dent Kennedys grave since November 25 1963. His grave is aligned with the Lincoln Memorial and the Washington Mon- ument and the view is spectacular. I will always remember these moments at Christmas in years to come as I decorate my own tree with my family. The memory of these heroes are etched into my heart and mind forever.