Veterans to be honored at wreath-laying ceremony

Exchange Club, Wreaths Across America honor veterans at cemetery ceremony

Press Release

Members of the Erie Niagara Sunrise Exchange Club will once again join Wreaths Across America by placing more than 375 wreaths on veterans’ grave at Mount Olivet Cemetery in the Town of Tonawanda at noon on Dec. 14.

This is the fourth year the local Exchange Club will participate in the national group sponsorship program whose mission is to “Remember the fallen, Honor those who served, and Teach the next generation” the value of freedom.

The goal is to support efforts that help unify the community and celebrate our freedom by thanking the hundreds of veterans laid to rest at Mount Olivet. A dedication ceremony in the Holy Family Mausoleum at noon will precede the wreath laying.

The ceremony will include Col. David Albanese as commentator; George Miller, vocalist; the Hon. Dr. John Long, WWII veteran; Exchange members who will read the names being honored; and an honor guard by TAK Civil Air Patrol Composite Squadron.

At the conclusion of the ceremony, volunteers will place a live, balsam wreath on each of 375 veterans’ graves within St. Michael the Archangel Veteran Section as well as surrounding sections.

Highmark, Blue Cross Blue Shield is this year’s overall event sponsor.

 “Wreaths Across America is a deeply meaningful program, and Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield is truly proud to support it again this year. This initiative provides a powerful way to honor the selfless service and sacrifice to those who have come before us, protecting the freedom and liberties we all cherish,” said Jessica Cox, president, Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield. “It’s a humbling experience for all of us at Highmark to participate in this tribute and remember the legacy of those who gave everything for our country.”

TAK Civil Air Patrol Composite Squadron, a proud partner with Exchange Club, not only made a substantial impact by sponsoring wreaths, but will provide the Honor Guard and escorts for our volunteers

“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,” spokesperson Susan Busch said.

“We are forever grateful to all the volunteers and groups who dedicate their time, energy and resources nationwide to fulfilling this yearlong mission,” said Karen Worcester, executive director of 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 – “Remember, Honor, Teach” – is carried out in part each year by coordinating wreath-laying ceremonies in December at Arlington, as well as at more than 4,700 additional locations in all 50 states and beyond.

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