Wreaths Across America events coming next month
Wreaths Across America’s “Escort to Arlington” only convoy stop in Pennsylvania will occur Dec. 15 at the Delaware County Veterans’ Memorial, 4599 West Chester Pike, Newtown Square.
The trucks are expected to pull in about 8:45 a.m. and will be there until 10:45 before continuing south into Delaware, reaching Arlington National Cemetery for Wreaths Across America Day on Dec. 17.
All are invited, especially schools, local volunteers, Gold Star Families, Blue Star Families, veterans, volunteers, first responders, members of the Patriot Guard Riders and Patriot Riders.
To sponsor a $15 veteran’s wreath for placement this year at a location near you, or to learn more about volunteering, please visit www.wreathsacrossamerica.org.
On Dec. 17, the Jeptha Abbott Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution will hold an event at Old Eagle School Cemetery, Wayne, at 11 a.m.
Retired Coast Guard Rear Admiral Scott Clendenin will be the keynote speaker.
As part of the United States of America Vietnam War Commemoration, Vietnam veteran Lt. Michael Freeland of Wynnewood will be receiving the Vietnam 50th Commemoration Pin.
The event will feature a wreath laying ceremony representing each branch of the service.
Those also participating are:
• Air Force: Duane C. Parker Jr., in honor of his father, 2nd Lt. Duane C. Parker Sr., Phoenixville.
• Army: Retired Lt. Colonel Mark O’Neill, Bryn Mawr.
• Marines: Lance Cpl. Anthony Fillipelli, Strafford.
• Merchant Marine: William Gresh, president, PA Children of the American Revolution, in honor of his father, Staff Sgt. Perry Gresh, Paoli.
• Navy: Retired Lt. Michael W. Freeland, Wynnewood.
• POW-MIA: Retired Lt. Thomas C. Deas Jr., surface warfare officer, Haverford.
Additionally, the following members of the Pennsylvania Society Sons of the Revolution Color Guard will be presenting the Colors: Jay Bowden, Wayne; Jon Fitzgerald, Thornton; Robert Flood, Montgomeryville; Kip Gerhart, Philadelphia; Rob McNelly, Collegeville; and Leif Zetterberg, Bryn Mawr.
After the ceremony, the public will lay live balsam wreaths on all veteran graves — some of which date to the American Revolution.
Wreaths are provided by Wreaths Across America and cost $15 each. To buy a wreath to place at a veteran’s grave, go to WAA-Old
Eagle School.The deadline to buy one is Nov. 29.
Old Eagle Cemetery is located at 175 Old Eagle School Road in Wayne. Refreshments will be served. Parking is at the Strafford train station.
Jeptha Abbott DAR Chapter Regent Teri Fischer says, “As direct descendants of patriots from the American Revolution, we are compelled to honor these heroes and all veterans throughout the generations.