“This morning we gather here to express our sentiments and a deep sense of solidarity with fallen heroes,” said Father George Chittattukara of Saint Margaret Parish as members from six Wareham non-profits placed a wreath at the base of the veterans monument in Center Park Friday, Dec. 13.

The ceremony marked the start of "Wreaths Across Wareham," a local extension of the national "Wreaths Across America" program established by the nonprofit of the same name to “remember fallen U.S. veterans, honor those who serve, and teach children the value of freedom.”

The national ceremony is Saturday, Dec. 14 but Members of the Knights of Columbus, American Legion, Elks Lodge, Friends of Wareham Veterans Council, Historical Society and the Garden Club arrived early Friday morning to pay tribute to veterans for Wareham’s ceremony with wreaths made by the Garden Club.

For the sixth year, organizers placed wreaths at Center Park, Town Hall, the Agawam War Memorial and the National Cemetery.

“These martyrs are one among us, we enjoy their company although they are gone from our sight. Our gathering is a sign that they are not forgotten,” Chittattukara said.