Veterans honored with wreaths at North Side Cemetery and others around the county
A solemn ceremony on a wind-swept hill Saturday preceded an annual program in which the living have the opportunity to say “thank you” to the veterans resting in their graves.
Wreaths Across America was held at noon in North Side Cemetery off North Main Street Hill in Butler for the fifth consecutive year.
About 300 people came to volunteer their services by placing Christmas wreaths on the graves of every veteran in the cemetery in a gesture of respect and honor, or to observe the moving ceremony that preceded the wreath-layings.
The ceremony began with a moment of silence for those currently serving in the military, followed by a color guard of Junior ROTC members from Butler Senior High School who presented the flag for the ceremony.
Amber Peters, of Butler Township, performed a stirring rendition of the national anthem.
Led by master of ceremonies Chris Marlar, all in attendance recited the Pledge of Allegiance as civilians placed their hands on their hearts while military personnel and veterans snapped to attention and saluted Old Glory.
The color guard then retired the colors which was carried by a member of the Bantam Marine Attachment 743 of Butler.
“Lying before us are men and women who gave their lives so we can live in freedom and without fear,” Marlar said. “We shall not forget. We shall remember.”
Eight veterans representing each branch of the U.S. Armed Forces plus prisoners of war and those missing in action placed wreaths in honor of their branch, saluted the wreath, and remained in place until all eight wreaths were placed on ceremonial stands outside the cemetery’s chapel.
Tim Moreno laid the wreath representing the thousands of prisoners of war and those missing in action.
“These individuals never returned to their families and homes,” Marlar said. “We shall never forget you.”
The veterans who laid the ceremonial wreaths then turned in unison and marched off, revealing the wreaths to the crowd in attendance.
“Each wreath is a gift of appreciation from a grateful country,” Marlar said.
A bagpiper then played “Amazing Grace,” and the Bantam Marine Detachment fired a 21-gun rifle volley to salute the fallen veterans.
Two trumpets placed in the hollows of the cemetery then played Taps.
Charles Veazey, who coordinates the North Side Cemetery’s Wreaths Across America each year with Donna Croft, instructed volunteers on where on each veteran’s grave to lay the wreath, say the veteran’s name aloud, then hold a moment of silence before moving on to the next grave.
“I do it to support the veterans because they fought for our country,” said Max Huey, 11, who helped lay wreaths of veteran graves with four other scouts from Boy Scout Troop 19 of Meridian. “It feels good because they served our country and fought for us.”
Nathan Leslie, 12, said it is important for his scout troop to perform duties like laying the wreaths.
“We learn respect for those who have fallen in war,” Nathan said.
Dave and Mary McFarland, of Butler Township, come to the Wreaths Across America ceremony every year.
Dave comes in honor of his friend’s son, Staff Sgt. Dylan Elchin, 25, an Air Force combat controller who was killed action.
Mary comes to show her respect and endless reverence for the American veteran.
“I come to honor people who have given their lives so I can have freedom,” she said. “Just like Jesus Christ gave his life, these veterans give theirs.”
Virginia Johnson, of Butler, comes every year in honor of her late husband, Edward, Johnson, who was an Army veteran. His brother was killed in action in Korea.
“I praise them every day for what they do for us,” Johnson said of veterans. “I thank every veteran I see.”
Denise McKean, of Connoquenessing Township, volunteers to lay wreaths every year for Wreaths Across America.
“It’s important to honor veterans and remember them all year, but especially at this time of year,” she said.
Connie Eck, of Connoquenessing Township, laid wreaths for the third consecutive year on Saturday.
“I get so emotional,” Eck said. “It’s such a privilege to honor these men and women who have sacrificed their lives for us.”
State Rep. Marci Mustello, R-11th, and County Commissioner Leslie Osche attended the Wreaths Across America ceremony at North Side Cemetery on Saturday.
Mustello was not surprised at the turnout at North Side Cemetery or at the fact that the number of cemeteries across the county doing Wreaths Across America has more than doubled since last year.
“Butler County has always been a community that respects and supports our veterans and our men and women currently in the military,” she said.
Mustello praised Veazey and Croft for coordinating the North Side Cemetery’s Wreaths Across America, which was the first in Butler County to do so.
“And now, it has filtered out to surrounding communities,” she said.
Two million volunteers laid wreaths on graves at 3,700 locations in all 50 states and Puerto Rico on Saturday, according to wreathsacrossamerica.com.
Wreaths Across America was founded in 2007 to continue and expand the annual wreath-laying ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery begun by Maine wreath maker Morrill Worcester in 1992.
