Wreaths Across America honors veterans
Around 100 people joined together to honor the veterans buried at the Saint Thomas Cemetery in Pilot Point on Saturday.
The group gathered there were part of a national effort to honor the lives of the men and women who have serviced in the United States Armed Forces.
“This year, across the country at more than 5,600 participating locations like this one, there are millions of Americans gathering safely as one nation to remember, honor and teach,” said Kyle Holloway of the Knights of Columbus Fourth Degree Assembly of Pilot Point of the Wreaths Across America ceremony. “We are all proud to be Americans that live in a free society made up of many people, from many walks of life. Lying here before us and in cemeteries throughout this nation are men and women who gave their lives so that we can live in freedom and without fear.”
He told the crowd that there are 114 veterans buried in the cemetery and that there were donations to fund 170 wreath sponsorships.
“Those wreaths that are over our grave count went to other cemeteries that did not have enough wreath sponsorships,” Holloway said.
Holloway also introduced Stephanie Manchen, president of the Blue Star Mothers of America Yellow Rose TX 20 Chapter.
“‘To be killed in war is not the worst that can happen; to be lost is not the worst that can happen; to be forgotten is the worst,’” she said, quoting a World War II veteran. “Sadly here today, we’d never be able to say the names of every service member that’s passed.”
Manchen spoke of the remains of a World War II veteran, Army Private Alfred Thomas Langevin, whose remains have finally been identified.
“On July 30, 2025, after advanced DNA testing, those remains were positively identified as Private Alfred Thomas Langevin, a breakthrough 81 years in the making,” she said. “Today, on Dec. 13, 2025, I’m proud to say the name of this hero and share his story with you in remembrance of all the heroes we have lost.”
Following her remarks, Manchen called Mary Garcia, the commander of the American Legion Holley-Riddle Post 21 from The Colony, to the podium.
“Laying a wreath is a simple act, but its meaning runs deeply,” Garcia said. “It says, we remember. We honor. We are still here to stand for them.”
She said veterans and community members have a “shared responsibility” to remember the lives of those who served.
“We bridge generations,” Garcia said. “We teach the young what sacrifice truly means. We remind one another that freedom carries a cost, and we ensure that every hero’s name is spoken, every life is valued and every story continues.”
Father Jason Allan, the St. Thomas pastor, blessed the wreaths before they were distributed.
Several local veterans and the parent of an active service member were called forward to place the first honorary wreaths: Lt. Col. (Ret.) Randy Barta, Army; Cpl. Dennis Duesman, Marines; Communications Technician Third Class Roland Jones, Navy; Anthony Caranna, whose son is a senior airman in the Air Force; Senior Airman Stephen Palmier, Air Force; Gunners Mate Third Class David Benson, Navy; Capt. Joe Duran, Army; and Specialist 4 Harold Bridges, Army.
Holloway then called out the names of the veterans buried throughout the cemetery.
Rickey Kemp came forward first to collect the wreath he and his wife sponsored for World War I veteran Mech. Frank Amen.
“Thank you for your service,” Kemp said after placing the wreath on Amen’s gravestone. “May your soul be resting in heaven above.”
For Colette Olivieri, the wreath she and her mother Charlotte Bleyenberg was a personal sign of remembrance for Olivieri’s father, Robert Bleyenberg, who held the rank of private first class in the Army.
“He was such a good man with so much wisdom that he shared, and luckily I absorbed it,” she said. “... He spread nothing but kindness and wisdom everywhere he went. The greatest storyteller of all.”
Families filtered through the grounds, honoring the veterans who came to rest in Pilot Point.
For Holloway, it’s the sacrifice the veterans made that motivates him.
“It’s important to honor and keep their memories alive,” Holloway said.
Colette Olivieri tweaks the wreath she and her mother placed on her veteran father’s gravestone . Abigail Bardwell/For The Post-Signal
