Wreaths Across America Solemn Ceremony And Wreath Placement Held At Clarion And I-C Cemeteries

on 19 December, 2024 at 17:10

Photos courtesy of WAA, Heidi Flick and Melanie Shingledecker Parker – (Above) Those who placed Service Branch and POW/MIA Wreaths and POW/MIA Chair

The Wreaths Across America (WAA) Solemn Ceremony and Wreath Placement was held, along with several thousand other such gatherings throughout the country, at the Clarion and Immaculate Conception Cemeteries on South Second Avenue in Clarion on Saturday, December 14th.

This, the sixth gathering at the Clarion site, which began promptly at 12:00 Noon honors all deceased U.S. Military Veterans. There are several thousand events across the country, with more than two million Veterans Wreaths placed this year. There were Ceremonies and Placings at Local, National and Military Cemeteries, and Veterans’ Memorials and historic sites.

Bonnie Aaron was the greeter. Clarion County WAA Coordinator Noreen Shirey welcomed those who were gathered. Pastor Jeff Foor from the Strattanville and Asbury Global Methodist Churches gave the Invocation.

**Pastor Jeff Foor giving the invocation**

The Clarion Civil Air Patrol posted and retired the Colors.

**Civil Air Patrol Cadets Posting the Colors**

Clarion Area student Raven Cunningham sang the National Anthem.

Scout Troop 51 led the Pledge of Allegiance.

Those taking part in the Service Branch Ceremonial Wreath Placing included: Theo Sweet – U.S. Space Force, Lee Benzo Sr. – for the U.S. Marines, Mark Best – for the U.S. Navy, Jennifer Maze – for the U.S. Army, Aurielle Clocherty – for the U.S. Air Force, Olivia Miller – for the U.S. Coast Guard, Brian Manley – for the U.S. Merchant Marines, Floyd Leydic – for the U.S. POW and MIA, and Courtney Kirkwood and her son Trey – POW/MIA chair In memory of T.J. Kirkwood.

The Speakers included: Josh Bashline, Jordan Johnston – Clarion-Limestone Dean of Students, Davey Eggleton- Central Clarion Wildcats Head Coach/C-L Assistant Principal.

Taps were played by Clarion-Limestone student Dylan Haight, as Wendy Orr Dixon led Spider’s Rebel Warrior on the Riderless Horse Tribute along Second Avenue.

**Wendy Orr Dixon leading Spider’s Rebel Warrior on the Riderless Horse Tribute along Second Avenue**

Noreen shared Closing Remarks and Pastor Jodie Smith of the First United Methodist Church led the Benediction.

After the Ceremony those gathered placed the Wreaths on the Veterans’ Graves and the Mausoleum.

In addition to Clarion and Immaculate Conception, New Rehobeth, Seceder, Frogtown, Churchville, Strattanville Memorial and Centennial, Licking, Churchville, and Asbury Cemeteries all took part in the Ceremony before their Wreath Placings.

**Some of the Wreaths that were Placed (several folks Placing Wreaths near the stand of pines)**

Noreen shared:

A heartfelt thanks to Dawn R. Miller and the cadets of the Clarion Civil Air Patrol who are an integral part of this event in honoring our veterans. Thanks Bonnie Aaron and Kaitlyn Aaron for keeping me organized all day!

A special thanks to Wendy Orr Dixon who provided our riderless house tribute with Rebel, which is always a touching and solemn moment at the end of the ceremony.

Raven Cunningham (From CAHS) did a wonderful job singing the National Anthem and Dylan Haight (C-L) did an excellent job with Taps. which is always a touching and solemn moment at the end of the ceremony. Civil Air Patrol were extremely helpful and proudly posted and retired the colors. Members of Scout Troop 51 that were in attendance led us in the Pledge of Allegiance.

**C-L student, Dylan** **Haight playing Taps**

Thanks to everyone who participated and especially Megan Hull and Lisa Shirey Craig who were there from beginning to end. Thanks to Scout Troop 51 their leaders Woody-Becky Whitling and Ashley N. Luton and the football team and their coaches, Dave Eggleton.

It was a great day for our 6th National Wreaths Across America Day. A little chilly and windy, but we were happy that we could proceed with the ceremony and wreath laying, as many areas with so much snow, were not able. We have already started planning for December 13th, 2025.

With over 50 cemeteries and new coordinators taking on this mission we were able to honor many Clarion County Veterans on Saturday, not all of them though. This year we fell short of our goal. Sad, but when we honor one we honor them all.

“Buy One, Get One Free” for Wreaths is ongoing now until January 17th, 2025.

#livewithpurpose https://www.wreathsacrossamerica.org/pages/162123/Overview/

Additional Thank You’s Listed In The Program

Thank you to all of the volunteers For this Patriotic Cause for Clarion’s 6th Wreaths Across America Ceremony.
Thanks to all of the Cemetery Boards Clarion Fire and Hose Company, Strattanville and Limestone Vol. Fire Co.
Honored Guests for participating in today’s ceremony

Clarion Civil Air Patrol. Wendy Dixon Raven Cunningham – National Anthem
Dylan Haight – Taps
Platinum Sponsor Fraternal Order of Eagles # 3807 Fraternal Order of Eagles # 3807 Auxiliary
Diamond Level Sponsors Fryburg Sportsman’s Club Ruby Level Sponsors Clarion VFW Aux. # 2145
American Legion Post #66 Auxiliary, Strattanville American Legion Auxiliary, Daughters of the American Revolution – Clarion, Jarah Heeter, New Light Inc. and AFSCME

Bill Hearst, Dave Cyphert – ProPoint Media, Explore Clarion

Harry S. Truman said “Our debt to the heroic men and valiant women in the service of our country can never be repaid. They have earned our undying gratitude.”

(Thanks to all who have worked so hard to make this Special Solemn Tribute happen!! Thanks to Clarion County WAA – Heidi Flick and Melanie Shingledecker Parker for the photos!!)