Clarion Coordinator Noreen Shirey Shares Thoughts About This Years Wreaths Across America Ceremony (12/17/19)

(By Noreen Shirey)

I was so happy that so many people came to the ceremony.  All year long everyone has been so positive and happy to welcome this event to Clarion. 

Even the cold rain didn’t stop our friends and family from coming to honor Clarion’s veterans.  I saw many people moved to tears listening to Mr. Weaver speak, when Lacie Lewis sang and when the crowd joined her. 

Everyone stood taller when the Rimersburg American Legion and VFW did the rifle salute. 

The conclusion with Heavenly Gaits and Joe Fink leading the riderless horse during the playing of Taps was an emotional conclusion to the ceremony.  

The rain changed to snow  as the wreaths were placed.   I saw scouts saluting Civil War veteran graves, families honoring soldiers they never knew, and young soldiers acknowledging those who went before them.   

I think everyone has taken a moment every now and then to thank out soldiers, but on Saturday we did it together, as a community and as a nation, and it felt really good. 

I am looking forward to next year here on Second Avenue and in other cemeteries in the county. 

(Next year’s Wreaths Across America date is December 19th. Anyone interested in being a coordinator for their own cemetery is encouraged to attend a meeting on Friday, December 27th at 7:30PM, at the Limestone Fire Hall.

Wreath pick up/disposal date is January 20th at noon. If you can be there to help it would be appreciated.)