Wreaths Across America Delivered To Area

on 14 December, 2023 at 15:52

Above Photo – The Procession as they arrive in Clarion.

The Wreaths for Wreaths Across America (WAA) which are placed on United States Military Veteran’s graves in cemeteries across the USA and abroad, arrived at Clarion-Limestone, Immaculate Conception and Clarion area on Wednesday, February 13th.

**Photo Courtesy of Noreen Shirey – Chuck Andrews presenting Jay Dotten with Wreaths Across America hat and challenge coin.**

The wreaths will be placed on Saturday, February 16th, in solemn patriotic ceremonies. The ceremonies at Clarion Cemetery and I-C Cemetery, on South Second Avenue, are scheduled for noon.

**Photo courtesy of Noreen Shirey – Clarion-Limestone students and staff welcoming the procession.**

The procession was led by Clarion Fire & Hose Company No. 1, Limestone Township Volunteer Fire Company, Corsica Volunteer Fire Company and the Ross McGinnis VFW Post # 2145 bus.

The escort began at Bob’s CB Shop off I-80 Exit 70, then followed Route 322 East to make stops at each of the schools, then to the Clarion and I-C Cemeteries where a number of the first responders, were among those off-loading the semi to to vehicles and trailers, which transported the wreaths to the storage building.

**Photo courtesy of Noreen Shirey – students Clarion Fire ladder truck with the American Flag displayed.**

Clarion County WAA Coordinator Noreen Shirey said, “It was an amazing day! Our 5th Wreaths Across America procession welcoming our Hometown Hero Wreaths into Clarion!

“Chuck Andrews and pup Fluffy were joined this year by local Veteran E. Jay Dotten, U.S. Navy Seal Black Ops. Vietnam War.

“He was never welcomed home then, but he received a huge welcome from Clarion-Limestone, Immaculate Conception and Clarion Area! His Grandson Kevin and wife Haleigh joined the procession. His great grandson, Braxton Jackson, a student at Clarion Area joined his classmates in making posters to show their support.”

**Photo courtesy of Noreen Shirey – Haleigh and Kevin Dotten, Jay Dotten, Clarion Area Principal Natalie Miller-Martini and Chuck Andrews.**

Noreen coordinates 16 cemeteries, for 2,010 veteran wreaths at I-C, Clarion, Asbury, Helen Furnace, Tylersburg, Dehner, Limestone, Frogtown, Old Seceder, Licking, Churchville, New Rehobeth, Strattanville Memorial, Strattanville Centennial, Fisher Methodist and Fisher Presbyterian.

**Clarion Area students with posters showing support of Veterans.**

She mentioned, “Next year new volunteers are stepping in to manage some of these cemeteries as this mission continues to touch people and bring our community together.”

**Escort vehicles and semi and trailer at Clarion Area Senior High and Middle School.**

Other areas in Clarion County received wreaths this week, Lucinda, Fryburg, Marienville, Scotch Hill, Rimersburg, Knox and New Bethlehem.

Clarion County WAA is looking to expand to other cemeteries. Noreen said, “Last year over 3,500 wreaths came into Clarion County. If you are interested in volunteering to honor your cemetery, I will help you anyway I can.”

**First Responders off-loading the wreaths from the semi trailer to a vehicle.**

Chuck shared his gratitude, “Every year I come to Clarion and Western PA and I don’t think the outpouring of love could be any greater and yet it is, which is truly remarkable!!

“There are places in America that could and should learn from Clarion.

“Thanks to everyone for supporting the mission.”

(Thank you to all involved in this great endeavor!!!!)