‘We shall always remember’: Valley honors veterans with wreath laying

Remembering the fallen, honoring the men and women who served, and teaching the next generation the value of freedom were the goals of Saturday’s Wreaths Across America event at Vineland Cemetery in Clarkston.

Throughout the region and country, similar ceremonies were conducted with fresh wreaths placed on the graves of veterans and first responders. A large gathering at Vineland helped decorate close to 1,400 burial sites.

“This year at more than 4,200 participating locations like this one, over 3 million wreaths will be laid,” said retired colonel, Ray Domaskin, of Clarkston. “There are millions of Americans gathering safely to remember, honor and teach. We thank those who gave their lives to keep us free, and we shall not forget you. We shall always remember.”

During his remarks, Domaskin recalled veterans dating back to the American Civil War, such as Benjamin and Franklin Jacks, George Brannon and Andrew Marsh, who are buried at Vineland.

In addition, the seven Bly brothers who served on active duty at the same time during World War II and the Korean War were recognized, along with their father, Walter Bly, who served in World War I.

Clarkston High School graduates Ervie Tippett and Jan Miller, who are buried there, were both killed in action in Vietnam.

During the ceremony, Domaskin paid tribute to the many veterans and first responders who were in the audience with their families.

“America has always been the first nation to stand up for the freedom of people around the world,” Domaskin said. “Some of you here answered that call and served your country well.”

A war plane flew over the crowd as Shara Mintonye sang the National Anthem. At the conclusion of the presentation, the popular fly-over made another appearance as taps was sounded by Robin Turner.

During the invocation, the Rev. Jeff Core of Holy Family Catholic Church, expressed gratitude and asked for blessings on the day’s endeavors.

“We pray for those who have served our nation and laid down their lives to protect and defend our freedom, asking that we remember their sacrifice and make right use of our liberty,” said Core, an Army veteran. “We pray for those who still bear the scars of their service, asking for healing for them in mind, body and spirit.”

Several dignitaries were on hand for the wreaths event, including Sen. Mark Schoesler, R-Ritzville. “I was honored to be part of such a beautiful ceremony,” Schoesler said.

Domaskin and his wife, Sherry, are members of the CHS class of 1968 that spearheaded the Vineland Cemetery wreath event five years ago. The Bantam class of 1976, led by Connie Collier, will be taking over in 2024.

“We’ve been so fortunate,” Sherry Domaskin said. “The weather is great today, and there are so many people here. Next year the younger class will be in charge. They’re such good workers.”

With the smell of fresh evergreens in the air, Chuck Neill, an 80-year-old Vietnam veteran, assisted Darlene Larson and Karen Curran, of the Daughters of the American Revolution, in one section of the cemetery.

“I’m just giving back to the guys who gave it all and didn’t make it back home,” Neill said. “I was one of the lucky ones. Last spring I received a Quilt of Valor from these ladies. I’m really proud of that.”

Curran, 66, said the wreaths event is meaningful and something she wouldn’t miss. “Our hearts are all feeling the same across the country today.”

Larson, 82, said all of the buried veterans’ names are read aloud at Wreaths Across America. “It is important for us to promote patriotism and recognize their efforts.”

Members of the Blue Mountain Fire District, based in Anatone, have helped place wreaths every year since it started here.

Leigh Zipse, 35, of Asotin, said his two young kids, ages 2 and 5, look forward to the event. “They really enjoy this,” Zipse said. “They definitely grab wreaths and help set them in place.”

Collier said each wreath costs $17. The expenses are covered with donations from individuals, families, civic organizations and area businesses, such as P1FCU. Anyone who is interested in helping with the 2024 Wreaths Across America project can contact Collier at (509) 552-9476.

Sandaine can be reached at kerris@lmtribune.com. You can follow her on X @newsfromkerri.