Wreaths Across America Ceremony And Wreath Placement Held At Clarion And I-C Cemeteries On Saturday (December 13th)
Photos courtesy of Clarion County Wreaths Across America: Above some of the attendees
Along with a number of cemetaries throughout Clarion County, and across the country, at sea, and abroad, the solemn Wreaths Across America Ceremony and Wreath Laying honoring deceased veterans, took place at the Clarion and Immaculate Conception Cemetaries, on South Second Avenue, on Saturday (December 13th).
Clarion County Wreaths Across America Coordinator, Noreen Shirey led the ceremony. She thanked those in attendance and asked for them to take photos and post to let others know what they did.
Noreen then introduced Pastor Jeff Foor from the Global United Methodist Church in Strattanville, who acknowledged Noreen’s work and then gave the Invocation.
The Clarion Civil Air Patrol posted the colors.
The Pledge of Alliegence was recited.
Then Clarion-Limestone student Bella Eggleton sang The National Anthem.
Noreen asked the Veterans in attendance to raise their hands “So we can offer our gratitude,” and a round of applause was given.
Next the POW Chair was placed by Courtney Kirkwood and her son Trey. A moment of silence was observed to pray for the fallen, the missing in war and the missing in action.
The Boy and Girl Scouts had the honor of placing the Ceremonial Wreaths honoring those who have served or are serving in the various branches of the Military (Air Force, Space Forces, Coast Guard, Marines, Navy, Army, Merchant Marines).
Noreen mentioned that many of the Scouts have attended each of the ceremonies for I-C and Clarion Cemetaries, thanking their parents and leaders for encouraging them. Senior Patrol Leader, Nathan Myers, Senior Patrol Leader was recognized for recently completing his Eagle Scout requirements.
Noreen recited “The Americans Creed,” written on the eve of World War II by William Tyler Page. She then said, “Today we show a united front of gratitude and respect across the United States as we Remember the Fallen, Honor Those Who Served, and Teach Our Children The Value Of Freedom.
“We encourage every volunteer here today, who places a wreath on a veteran’s grave, take their time to say the Veteran’s name and thank them for their service to our country. Take a picture and let everyone know how you feel. This small act keeps their memory alive. We are not here to decorate graves, we are here to remember their lives, not their deaths.
“I ask you to remember that they were sons and daughters, mothers and fathers, brothers and sisters, husbands and wives, and foremost they were Americans…”
She then read a fitting statement by President Ronald Reagan.
In her closing remarks Noreen mentioned that there are veterans from every war, from the American Revolution on, but made special mention of the Civil War and in particular the sacrifice made by soldiers from the area.
She shared special thanks to some of those who have been instrumental in the ceremony, through the years: her Co-helpers who work throughout the year, the VFW, the Eagles and the American Legion and each of their Auxiliaries, the Daughters of the American Revolution, Clarion Fire Company, Bill Hearst (providing the sound system), the Clarion Civil Air Patrol, the Central Clarion Wildcats and their coach, all of the Scouts and Bella Eggleton for her rendition of the National Anthem.
Noreen mentioned the growth of Clarion County Wreaths Across America over the years and about this being her last year as Coordinator for Clarion and Immaculate Conception and looking for new blood and ideas and she is looking forward to who is willing to take that on.
She then introduced Nathaniel Heller from Clarion High School, who played TAPS.
Father Jason Feigh from the Immaculate Conception Church in Clarion provided the Benediction.
The event concluded with the Wreath Laying.
(If you would like to continue this legacy, contact Noreen at 814-229-6317.)
LINK TO VIDEO OF THE CEREMONY
https://www.facebook.com/WAAClarionAreaCemeteries/videos/1518009779498076/