by RICHARD ULSH
Captain, USMC
Deputy Branch Head, Media Relations
HQMC Division of Public Affairs
WASHINGTON, D.C. – A Westfield woman traveled to the nation’s capital Saturday along with 25,000 other volunteers to pay tribute to U.S. service members, who gave the ultimate sacrifice in the defense of the nation, by laying wreaths at their grave sites.
Joyce C. Jutkus, represents Westfield as part of the Wreaths Across America’s annual event to honor America’s fallen heroes at the Arlington National Cemetery in Virginia. The event began with a parade of vehicles that lead onlookers to an elegant stage set for a somber, but inspirational opening ceremony. Following the array of guest speakers, Jutkus and her fellow wreath layers spanned the vast grounds through cold temperatures and freezing rain to cover headstones with more than 100,000 wreaths adorned with red bows. Special ceremonies also took place at the USS Maine mast, President Kennedy’s tomb, and the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. For Jutkus, though, the opening ceremony moved her most about the service.
“It was all an unbelievable experience seeing the thousands of people along the cemetery entrance coming together for the opening remarks,” said Jutkus. “Seeing the young boys respectfully remove their hats during the singing of the National Anthem made me so proud of our youth.”
The observance at the National Cemetery held a special significance for Jutkus. Her daughter, Pamela, and son-in-law, Marine Lt. Gen. Robert E. Schmidle, Jr., continue to serve the Marine Corps and have done so for more than 30 years. Jutkus’s grandson Capt. Christian R. Schmidle is also a Marine currently serving on active duty. Their service to the country makes participation in the wreath laying ceremony a meaningful and memorable experience.
“I couldn’t begin to tell you how overwhelmed I was to participate in the wreath laying,” said Jutkus. “We have been humbled and proud over the last 37 years of Bob’s and now Christian’s service to our country and to the Marine Corps.”
This was the Marine grandmother’s first time taking part in the ceremony at the National Cemetery, but Jutkus took part in a similar event with Wreaths Across America at Stanley Park in 2012. The significance of these remembrances and the opportunity to take part in them are something she cherishes, according to Pamela Schmidle.
“Volunteering makes you feel more a part of it all,” said Jutkus. “I am so proud and honored that I was able to be here for the Arlington wreath laying and pay tribute to our fallen warriors. It was a very emotional morning.”
Wreaths Across America began laying wreaths at Arlington 22 years ago. This year’s event boasted the most wreaths ever sponsored and delivered to the National Cemetery, according to a press release from the organization.
