Wreaths Across America Ceremony And Wreath Placing Held At Clarion And Immaculate Conception Cemetery And Others Around The Area

on 19 December, 2023 at 21:15

Above – David Hauser presenting the U.S. Coast Guard Wreath, POW/MIA Chair to the right

Saturday, December 16th was a time of solemn patriotic Wreaths Across America (WAA) ceremonies and wreath placings, at the Clarion and Immaculate Conception Cemeteries on South Second Avenue in Clarion and across the Clarion County area, as well as cemeteries around the U.S. and elsewhere.

The Wreaths Across America ceremonies are held in honor all deceased Veterans who have honorably served our country, with the special wreaths placed at their grave sites.

Clarion County WAA Coordinator Noreen Shirey, as usual was in charge of the Clarion and I-C Cemeteries program.

In addition to I-C and Clarion, Noreen coordinates 14 other cemeteries, for 2,010 veteran wreaths at Asbury, Helen Furnace, Tylersburg, Dehner, Limestone, Frogtown, Old Seceder, Licking, Churchville, New Rehobeth, Strattanville Memorial, Strattanville Centennial, Fisher Methodist and Fisher Presbyterian. All these cemeteries were included in the Clarion ceremony, with folks involved with those cemeteries encouraged to go to them to participate in their wreath placing.

**Some of those gathered at the ceremony**

There are also a number of cemetery coordinators, who work with Noreen at other area cemeteries, notably Romayne McGinnis, who coordinates 27 Knox area cemeteries, with over 1,100 sponsored wreaths. Romayne is the mother of Medal of Honor Recipient Ross McGinnis who paid the ultimate sacrifice in in Iraq, saving several of his Brothers In Arms.

Some of the other cemeteries include St. Michael’s in Fryburg, St. Joseph’s in Lucinda, St. Mary’s in Crown, Rimersburg, New Bethlehem, East Brady and Brady’s Bend and a number of others.

There is another that I would like to mention though, Manuela Theresa Curran, who has coordinated East Brady and Brady’s Bend over the years, whose son Carl F. Curran, in 2004, also paid the ultimate sacrifice in Iraq.

The ceremony at the I-C and Clarion Cemeteries began at 12:00 Noon

Bonnie Aaron greeted the gathering and introduced Noreen who welcomed all in attendance.

Reverend Monte Sayers of the Immaculate Conception Church provided the Invocation.

Next, the Clarion Civil Air Patrol Squadron 504 Group 6 Posted the Colors, followed by Brianna Dehart singing the National Anthem.

**Scouts leading the Pledge of Allegiance**

Following the Star Spangled Banner, Clarion Scout Troop 51 led the Pledge of Allegiance.

Courtney Kirkwood placed the POW/MIA chair, in memory of T.J. Kirkwood and H. Simpson.

Next was the Ceremonial Wreath Laying, with the following participants presenting wreaths for the various military branches: Josh Apel – for the U.S. Marines, Denny Kaiser- for the U.S. Navy, Ashlee Preston – for the U.S. Army, Jared Lampman – for the U.S. Air Force, Dave Hauser – for the U.S. Coast Guard, Willie Wilson – for the U.S. Merchant Marines, Savannah Apel – for the U.S. Space Force and David Miller-Martini – for the U.S. POWs and MIAs.

**David Miller-Martini presenting the U.S. POW and MIA Wreath**

There were three speakers this year: Andy Waugman – Commander of the Clarion American Legion Post #66; 2nd Lt. Dawn Miller; Deputy Commander of Cadets – Clarion Civil Air Patrol; and former Clarion Area and Central Clarion Football Coach Larry Wiser.

After Coach Wiser finished, he commented on all the great things, Noreen has done for the Clarion County WAA, giving her a big hug as those in attendance applauded.

Morgan Scheftic played TAPS as Jess McWain led the Riderless Horse Barry’s Easy Honor along the street. (Barry’s Easy Honor is owned by Monique Nellis of Heavenly Gaits Therapeutic Riding Center at Knox.)

**Riderless Horse, Barry’s Easy Honor being led by Jess McWain**

Noreen gave some closing thoughts and then Reverend Jodie Smith of the First United Methodist Church in Clarion gave the Benediction.

**Pastor Jodie Smith delivers the Benediction**

Noreen shared, “A friend of mine mentioned that it was a privilege to attend the ceremony, but it is a privilege for me to help make this event happen to honor our Clarion Veterans. It is a labor of love. I know the script, but to hear others read it as passionately as I feel, brought tears to my eyes.

“I heard many compliments for Brianna Dehart’s rendition of the National Anthem. You could have heard a pin drop as Taps was played by Morgan Scheftic as Barry’s Easy Honor, courtesy of Heavenly Gaits Therapeutic Riding Center, was led up Second Avenue by Jess McWain.

“Thanks to all of the adults who brought kids, that’s what it is all about! Someone mentioned that they were heading to place a wreath for a family member, arriving a moment too late. He proudly listened to his veteran’s name said by a young scout then watched him salute. That is priceless.

“I thank everyone who supports this mission and if you would like to take advantage of the buy one get one free it is going on now till January 16th. Clarion County Proud.”

Scenes from other Ceremonies and Wreath Placings

**Wildcat football players at Asbury Cemetery**

**Photo courtesy of Jerry Barger – Military Branch Wreath display at St. Michaels**

Photo courtesy of Jerry Barger – Folks placing Wreaths at St. Michael’s

**Photo courtesy of Kim Beham – 21 Gun Salute at Brady’s Bend**

**Photo courtesy Laurie Culbertson Hughes – Members of Combined Honor Guard at Rimersburg**

**Photo courtesy of Todd Lutz – Military Branch Display at St. Joseph’s Cemetery**

**Photo courtesy of Rachel Colwell – Scouts leading the Pledge of Allegiance at Knox**

**Photo courtesy of Rachel Colwell – Youngster placing a Wreath at one of the Knox Area Cemeteries**

(Thank you to all who are carrying on this great Patriotic Tradition!!!!)