CNY Locations For ‘Wreaths Across America’

More than 1,000 local veterans will be remembered, at noon Saturday, Dec.12, with wreaths on their graves at Rome Cemetery, St. Mary’s, St. Peter’s and at the Westernville Presbyterian Cemetery.

Celebrated annually on the 2nd Saturday in December, National Wreaths Across America Day is a movement to cover all Veterans grave markers with a Christmas wreath.

Brief ceremonies will be held at each of the four cemeteries. Among the speakers will be Rep. Richard Hanna and Mayor Joseph Fusco. The participants will be color guards from Eastern Air Defense Sector, Rome VFW Post, Strough Civil Air Patrol; student choirs from RFA, Gansevoort and Bellamy schools; and JROTC members from RFA and Proctor.

The public is invited to the events at any of the four local cemeteries. Family members or friends of deceased veterans are encouraged to attend and help to place the wreaths on veterans’ graves.

The ceremonies have been organized by the local chapter of Military Officers Association of America, the Western American Legion Ladies Auxiliary, the Rome Marine League, and the Rome Cemetery Association, with the help of the national Wreaths Across America organization.

Wreaths Across America - Mission and Vision

Remember. Honor. Teach. This is the mission of Wreaths Across America. By coordinating wreath-laying ceremonies at Arlington National Cemetery and other veterans cemeteries around the country Wreaths Across America strives to remember our fallen heroes, honor those who serve and teach our children about the sacrifices made by veterans and their families to preserve our freedoms.

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