Wreaths to Remember
More than 1,000 wreaths were laid on graves of veterans at the North Cemetery during a Wreaths Across America ceremony Saturday afternoon.
Despite rain and cold, members of the Daughters of the American Revolution, American Legion Posts 117 and 778, the Legion Riders and other local organizations volunteered their time to honor those who served their country by attending the service and placing wreaths.
Chuck Veazey, co-coordinator of the Butler Wreaths Across America, said the organization surpassed its goal of 1,000 wreaths thanks to dedicated volunteers.“This year everybody came through. Everybody did a great job,” Veazey said. “Thanks to them, every veteran in the cemetery will have a wreath.”According to Veazey, the mission of Wreaths Across America is to remember the fallen, honor those who serve and have served and teach young people about freedom. He said the service is presented entirely by veterans.
“All the ceremony is done by vets,” Veazey said. “And they love doing it.”The proceedings began at noon, with a moment of silence in remembrance of those who have served and are currently serving in the armed forces.Donna Croft, fellow co-coordinator of the Butler Wreaths Across America, said this moment of silence is particularly special.“The moment of silence is going on at the same time all over the country,” Croft said. “It's showing honor and respect for veterans willing to give up their lives.”Ceremonies were also conducted at four other cemeteries in Butler County: West Sunbury Union Cemetery, Concord Presbyterian Church
Cemetery in Concord Township, St. John's United Methodist Church Cemetery in Brady Township and Saxonburg Memorial Church Cemetery in Saxonburg.Following the national anthem, representatives from each branch of the armed forces displayed a wreath in front of the chapel at the cemetery. As part of the ceremony, a wreath also was displayed for servicemen taken as prisoners of war or missing in action. Those wreaths will be displayed until Feb. 5.
Following the 21-gun salute and playing of Taps and “Amazing Grace,” attendees were reminded when placing their wreaths to say the veteran's name and offer them a moment of silence.Martha Eberhardt, regent of the Butler Chapter of the DAR, said the moment alone with the veteran is her favorite part of the tradition.“It's us with the veteran. It's saying we care what they did and what they gave up for us,” Eberhardt said. “It's peaceful and it's memorable.”
Don and Nikki Ellenberger of Butler were attendees of the ceremony and said they have been volunteering to lay wreaths since last year, when their son joined the Air Force. He is serving overseas.“We thought this was perfect for people like us who want to honor those who served, because now our son serves,” Nikki said.Don said they'd likely continue participating in the Wreaths Across America ceremony in the future. Nikki said the ceremony was always emotional and moving.“My prayer is that one day my son will be remembered for his service,” she said.
