{"id":47629,"date":"2015-12-12T22:47:58","date_gmt":"2015-12-12T22:47:58","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/owegopennysaver.com\/?p=47629"},"modified":"2015-12-22T22:45:28","modified_gmt":"2015-12-22T22:45:28","slug":"wreaths-across-america-remembers-veterans","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"http:\/\/www.owegopennysaver.com\/PS\/2015\/12\/12\/wreaths-across-america-remembers-veterans\/","title":{"rendered":"Wreaths Across America remembers veterans"},"content":{"rendered":"
\"Wreaths<\/a>

From left, Alex Hawthorne, along with Iraq combat nurse and veteran Danielle Ingram and Desert Storm veteran Bill Reynolds, of the Veterans of Modern Warfare Chapter 9, hold a display of wreaths during the Wreaths Across America remembrance ceremony held at the Veterans Memorial in Owego, N.Y. on Dec. 12.<\/p><\/div>\n

A ceremony was held on Saturday, Dec. 12 at the Veterans Memorial Park in Owego, N.Y. to honor and remember our fallen heroes and others who served. \u00a0Commemorative wreaths were to be placed at over 100 cemeteries in Tioga County and neighboring counties as part of the national Wreaths Across America Day.<\/p>\n

Jim Raftis, Sr., V.F.W. Memorial Chairman and Korean War veteran, shared that the mission of Tioga County\u2019s efforts in participating in Wreaths Across America Day is to, \u201cHave a wreath placed at the entrance to all cemeteries and at every headstone of every veteran.\u201d<\/p>\n

\"Wreaths<\/a>

Members of the 137th New York Infantry perform a rifle salute during the Wreaths Across America remembrance ceremony held at the Veterans Memorial Park in Owego, N.Y. on Dec. 12.<\/p><\/div>\n

According to the Wreaths Across America organization, \u201cWhat began in 1992 with a trailer load of wreaths, decorated by volunteers and laid at the graves of fallen soldiers at Arlington National Cemetery has now become a national organization with over 900 participating locations – all focused on the mission to Remember – Honor – and Teach.\u201d<\/p>\n

At the ceremony in Owego, a blessing and prayer over the evergreen wreaths was given by G. Terry Steenburg, coordinator and facilitator of the Church of Greater Owego.<\/p>\n

Rev. Steenburg shared, \u201cWe dedicate these wreaths in memory of those who have served our great nation and have now been laid to rest.\u201d<\/p>\n

\"Wreaths<\/a>

Veterans and guests place wreaths at the monuments in the Veterans Memorial Park during the Wreaths Across America remembrance ceremony held in Owego, N.Y. on Dec. 12.<\/p><\/div>\n

Andrea McBride sang the National Anthem at the ceremony and members of the 137th New York Volunteer infantry performed a rifle salute. The V.F.W. Post 1371 Honor Guard participated by posting colors and playing Taps.<\/p>\n

Also participating at the Wreaths Across America ceremony were Bonnie Baker Duff, president of the Daughters of Union Veterans of Civil War Tent 2 and Ben Gardiner, second lieutenant of the 137th New York volunteer infantry. \u00a0Modern Warfare Veterans, including Iraq combat nurse Danielle Ingram and Desert Storm veteran Bill Reynolds held a display of wreaths during the ceremony and also hung a banner in the Veterans Memorial Park so that traffic entering Owego from the Court Street Bridge would be made aware of Wreaths Across America Day.<\/p>\n

\"Wreaths<\/a>

Jerry Marsh, historian and author, and U.S. Air Force and Vietnam War veteran from Newark Valley, N.Y., named a soldier who served from each town in the County during the Civil War as well as remembered all who served during the Wreaths Across America remembrance ceremony held at the Veterans Memorial Park in Owego, N.Y. on Dec. 12.<\/p><\/div>\n

Jerry Marsh, historian and author and U.S. Air Force and Vietnam War veteran from Newark Valley, N.Y., named a soldier from each town in the County who served during the Civil War as well as remembered\u00a0all who served. \u00a0First Vice Commander from American Legion Post 401, Ken Gillette, placed wreaths at five cemeteries throughout Apalachin and Owego and also attended the Wreaths Across America ceremony.<\/p>\n

Raftis concluded the ceremony by sharing, \u201cIt is our commitment to remember the fallen and the wreaths symbolize those who have served and are serving in our armed forces, as well as teach the children to understand freedoms that we all enjoy today.\u201d<\/p>\n

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