Erie Niagara Sunrise Exchange Club supporting Wreaths Across America

Club to join volunteers and participating locations across country to remember, honor & teach

Erie Niagara Sunrise Exchange Club announced it will support Wreaths Across America participating location Mt. Olivet Cemetery as part of the national organization’s group sponsorship program.

A press release noted the club’s goal is “to support efforts that help unify our community and celebrate our freedom by thanking the hundreds of veterans laid to rest at Mt. Olivet with the placement of a live, balsam veterans wreath this Dec. 16. A dedication ceremony will be held in the Holy Family Mausoleum at Mt. Olivet Cemetery at noon, followed by the laying of 200 wreaths on veterans graves within St. Michael the Archangel veteran section, as well as surrounding sections.”

This is the third year the club will participate in the national program, whose mission is to “Remember the fallen, honor those who served, and teach the next generation the value of freedom.”

The club said, “This year, we are grateful to be joined by several community groups who share a dedication to veterans and their legacy.

“TAK Civil Air Patrol Composite Squadron made a substantial impact in sponsoring wreaths. They will provide the honor guard and escorts for our volunteers.”

Spokesperson Susan Busch said, “We try to instill in our cadets the Civil Air Patrol core values of integrity, excellence, respect and volunteer service. We put our values into action by participating in Wreaths Across America to honor those who have served.”

The club said, “Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield will be providing volunteers through their community outreach focus on veterans.”

Dr. Michael Edbauer, president of Highmark Western and Northeastern New York, shared, “As a veteran of the United States Army, I hold the mission of Wreaths Across America close to my heart, as do many of our team members at Highmark. This holiday season, it is important to remember our fallen veterans, honor those who currently serve, and acknowledge the contributions and sacrifices that our service members have made for the betterment of our country.”

In addition, Trane Technologies will provide a group of volunteers to assist.

Mt. Olivet Cemetery is located at 4000 Elmwood Ave., Kenmore.

Wreaths Across America Executive Director Karen Worcester said, “We are forever grateful to all the volunteers and groups who dedicate their time, energy and resources nationwide to fulfilling this yearlong mission. These individuals and their communities know the value of remembering the fallen, honoring those who currently serve, and teaching the next generation about the sacrifices made for our freedom every day – and with their continued support, Wreaths Across America continues to grow.”

National Wreaths Across America Day will be held Saturday, Dec. 16. It is a free, nonpolitical, community event open to all people.

About Wreaths Across America

Wreaths Across America is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization founded to continue and expand the annual wreath-laying ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery begun by Maine businessman Morrill Worcester in 1992. The organization’s mission is carried out, in part, each year by coordinating wreath-laying ceremonies in December at Arlington, as well as at more than 3,700 additional locations in all 50 states and beyond. 

For more information, to sponsor wreaths or to sign up to volunteer, visit www.WreathsAcrossAmerica.org.