Cranston's First Lady, Fung ensure wreaths reach vets' graves

Cranston’s First Lady, Barbara Ann Fenton, had planned to visit Arlington National Cemetery to help at the Wreaths Across America's annual event. Yet, when she went on their website, she was horrified to learn that local West Bay cemeteries had zero sponsorships. These graves would not be decorated for the holidays due to lack of funds. With the help of her husband, Mayor Allan Fung, and others, they placed 230 from Wreaths Across America in St. Ann’s Cemetery on Dec. 21.

"I thank the Diocese of Providence for their graciousness in allowing our visit to beautiful St. Ann's Cemetery and our hard-working Highway Department crews who helped deliver the many boxes of wreaths and joined us as we placed the wreaths," said Mayor Fung.

Founded in 2007, Wreaths Across America delivers wreaths to veterans cemeteries, where volunteers place them on gravestones. Arpin Van Lines delivered 100,000 wreaths to cemeteries, including Arlington National.

"It was a humbling honor to lay wreaths on veterans' graves this morning alongside a group of veterans who volunteered their time to help," said Fung. "My wife, First Lady Barbara Ann Fenton, deserves credit for organizing the event and coordinating with Wreaths Across America to make it happen. It was a chance to pay respect and for us to reflect on the incredible sacrifice veterans have made to protect our freedom in numerous wars and conflicts."

The effort was part of the Wreaths Across America program and is to remember and honor the lives of veterans who are no longer with us.