Laying wreaths at New Cumberland Cemetery

NEW CUMBERLAND -- The annual Wreaths Across America wreath-laying ceremony was observed at New Cumberland Cemetery Saturday.

More than 50 volunteers came out to honor the town's veterans by placing fresh pine wreaths on the veterans' graves. This year there were 420 wreaths placed, breaking last year's record of 315.

The ceremony began with a moment of silence followed by the presentation of the ceremonial wreaths which represent each branch of service and those who are still POW/MIA. A brief history of the WAA program was followed by the playing of "Taps." Then the volunteers spread out across the cemetery to place the wreaths on veterans' graves.

The volunteers are encouraged to say each veteran's name aloud as they place the wreath as a way of keeping their memory alive. The motto of the Wreath Across America Association is "Remember, honor, teach." This motto encourages everyone to remember the fallen, to honor those who serve, and to teach the next generation the value of freedom.

Each year, the WAA program chooses a theme for their campaign. This year's theme was "Serve and succeed." The theme is a continuation of last year's theme "Find a way to serve." By serving those around oneself, individuals can help the community to succeed.

The New Cumberland Community Projects Committee, which sponsored the event, is grateful to all of the businesses, organizations and private individuals who donate every year to make this event so successful, including Tim Hines, Howard Vulgamore, Bill Wells, George Hines and Will White for getting all of the boxes of wreaths to the cemetery and to McCollister's Auto Transport and driver Pete for bringing the wreaths all the way from Maine; and Rick Greenwood and his scout troop for presenting the ceremonial wreaths and for Mitch and Dave Porter for playing "Taps." This year also featured Pastor Dan and members of the Westminster Youth Group from Westminster Presbyterian Church in Chester.

For those who are interested in buying a wreath for next year's ceremony, Wreaths Across America is sponsoring a buy one, get one free promotion until Jan. 17. The price for each wreath is $17. Forms are available at the New Cumberland City Building or by contacting organizer George Hines at 304-670-7092.