Clifton joins the nation in Wreaths Across America

Every year at Christmastime wreaths are placed on veterans’ graves across the country to honor and remember their sacrifice for the United States, and this year, dozens of people gathered at the Clifton Cemetery Saturday morning to take part in the first ever Wreaths Across America wreath laying ceremony in Clifton.

Last year a group of volunteers knew they wanted to start the program in 2021 and Kathy Harr took the helm and made it happen.

“At first I was concerned but after speaking with the Rotary and the Lion’s Club and different organizations I knew people would come out to support this,” Kathy said. “And then I had people calling me, like the homeschooling groups and 4-H. It was spreading through word of mouth and it all just came together and I’m real pleased with how it turned out.”

The wreaths made the 2,000-mile journey to Clifton and arrived for delivery at the armory on Tuesday, Dec. 14 where a host of volunteers were on hand to help unload and sort wreaths.

Steve Harr said David Burden and Doyle Fehler, along with many others at Gearench were “super volunteers.”

“They helped us unload all the wreaths and took all the empty boxes away. We couldn’t have done it without their help,” Steve said.

Though the wind was brisk Saturday morning, that didn’t deter the crowd from attending the event. Bundled in winter apparel, they gathered close to take part in the ceremony.

“Thank you for joining us here to remember the fallen, honor those who served and their families and to teach the next generation the value of freedom,” Kathy said.

A moment of silence was held to remember the fallen, prisoners of war, and those missing in action, and to honor those who have served and continue to serve the country. Cub Scout Pack 376 from First United Methodist Church in Clifton began the ceremony by posting the U.S. flag and leading the Pledge of Allegiance.

Over 2,900 cemeteries simultaneously took place in wreath laying ceremonies across the country, including Arlington National Cemetery.

“Today more than ever we reflect on our nation’s veterans and active-duty service members who have had and continue to fight to protect the innocent and oppressed,” Kathy said.

Ceremonial wreaths representing each branch of the military were placed on stands by the flagpole.

Brigadier General Larry Patterson laid a wreath in memory of those who served and are serving in the United States Army.

Stephen Cariotis laid a wreath in memory of those who served and are serving in the United States Marine Corps.

Harold Kusel laid a wreath in memory of those who served and are serving in the United States Navy.

Tom Nichols laid a veteran’s wreath in honor of those who are serving in the United States Space Force.

Howard Bennet laid a wreath in memory of those who served and are serving in the United States Air Force.

Krista Wilson laid a wreath in memory of those who served and are serving in the United States Coast Guard.

Robert Evinger laid a wreath in memory of those who served and are serving in the United States Merchant Marines.

Will Murdoch laid a veteran’s wreath in honor of the 93,129 United States servicemen from all branches of the service whose last known status was either Prisoners of War or Missing in Action. These individuals never returned to their families and homes and will not be forgotten.

“We are not here to decorate graves,” Kathy said. “Each wreath is a gift of appreciation from a grateful American.”

The balsam wreaths symbolize honor to those who served and are serving in the armed forces.

“Standing together we can defeat terrorism, hate and injustice thanks to our veterans who have and continue to allow us to be free,” Kathy said.

Reverend Clint Schoefield of the First Presbyterian Church in Clifton spoke next, saying that though veterans had many things in common, a sense of call was clear in each of them.

“We thank you for these brave men and women who answered the call of service to this great land. Thank you for their sacrifices. Be with their families. Be with this great nation. May we truly be one nation under God,” Schoefield prayed.

Clifton High School student Jacob Nickle then played taps to conclude the ceremony.

“We encourage every volunteer who places a wreath on a veteran’s grave to say that veteran’s name aloud and take a moment to thank them for their service to our country,” Kathy said. “It’s a small act that goes a long way toward keeping the memory of our veterans alive.”

Wreaths were placed on veterans’ graves throughout the Clifton, Trinity Lutheran, Memorial Park and Lane’s Chapel cemeteries.