Area organizations are looking for the community’s help to provide 2,500 wreaths this holiday season for veterans’ graves in Atlantic County.
They’re also looking for volunteers to place the wreaths at veterans’ graves following a ceremony at noon on Saturday, Dec. 13 at Holy Cross Cemetery in Mays Landing.
“We need your help,” said Peter Eschbach of Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 220, the local Wreaths Across America organizer. “We don’t know them all, but we owe them all.”
Diocese of Camden Bishop Joseph Williams will also attend the event, which involves numerous Atlantic County groups.
The ceremony will involve local scouts, Civil Air Patrol cadets, JROTC cadets from Pleasantville High School, Atlantic City High School and the Atlantic County Institute of Technology, active-duty service members, veterans, St. Vincent dePaul Regional School choir and a VFW Honor Guard rifle salute followed by the playing of Taps.
Army Major General Laurence Linton, commander of the 99th Readiness Division, will deliver comments during the ceremony.
While Wreaths Across America started with the placement of wreaths on the graves at Arlington National Cemetery in 1992, this is just the third year for the local effort.
“Wreaths Across America is important because it provides a national way to remember the fallen, honor those who serve, and teach future generations about the value of freedom. Our effort is a way local residents and businesses can participate,” Eschbach said.
The December ceremony involves more than just placing a wreath on a grave, he added.
“The event is a time-honored tradition that uses wreaths to symbolize gratitude, service, and eternal life, with each wreath placed and each name spoken serving as a tangible reminder that veterans are not forgotten,” Eschbach said.
The project has grown, which means there is an increased need this year for both volunteers and more wreaths.
Anyone or any group can sponsor a wreath to honor a veteran.
Each wreath is sponsored at a cost of $17.
A $5 portion of that amount is donated to one of several charities, including the St. Vincent de Paul Food Pantry.
Nearly $2,000 was raised for the food pantry last year through wreath sponsorships.
Volunteers are needed for the Dec.13 event, which is held rain or shine.
Last year, volunteers at the ceremony included business employees and families who brought children to help place a wreath.
The event is a learning experience.
“Many of these children don’t know about the wars and the veterans who died. Being a volunteer at the ceremony and placing a wreath with their mom or dad is a great opportunity for them to learn more,” Eschbach said.
To buy a wreath, call Peter Eschbach at 609-335-3637 or email him at Peter. Eschbach@outlook.com or follow Facebook at Wreaths Across America – Atlantic County.
Photos by Lori M. Nichols, Catholic Star Herald
