Wreaths Across America is returning to South Jersey, and faithful are being asked to consider helping to honor America’s veterans.
On Dec. 14, parishioners, families and students of Saint Vincent de Paul Parish and Saint Vincent de Paul Regional School, Mays Landing, will come together with local groups and organizations to place Christmas wreaths on the graves of veterans in Holy Cross Cemetery. The cemetery is located next to Saint Vincent de Paul Church.
All are invited to the welcome ceremony, which includes plans for a F-16 flyover by the 177th Fighter Wing Air National Guard. The event starts at noon in parish parking lot. Wreaths will be presented by active duty services members, each with a veteran and a Scout carrying the particular service’s flag.
Wreath sponsorships are available. Wreaths are $17, and for every two wreaths donated, a third will be provided by the national Wreaths Across America organization. In addition, for each wreath sponsored through the parish, the Saint Vincent de Paul Parish Food Pantry will receive $5 to help run its operations. Saint Vincent de Paul Regional is also participating, with sponsorships supporting the school. The deadline to donate is Dec. 3.
To sponsor through the parish, visit tinyurl.com/2nfnrcaj. To donate through the school, visit tinyurl.com/9hb5y2u7.
Wreaths Across America is a nonprofit organization with the mission to “Remember the Fallen. Honor those who serve. Teach the next generation the value of freedom.” Because of their efforts, hundreds of thousands of wreaths are laid every December on graves of those in the Armed Forces to remember their service and thank them for their sacrifice.
Last year was the first time Wreaths Across America came to Mays Landing. More than 500 wreaths were placed on the graves of veterans in Holy Cross Cemetery. This year, the goal is to have 2,000 wreaths placed at Holy Cross Cemetery and other local cemeteries in the area.
For more information on the Diocese of Camden’s cemeteries, visit southjerseycatholiccemeteries.org. For more information about the Wreaths Across America in Mays Landing, contact Peter Eschbach at 609-335-3637 or peter.eschbach@outlook.com.
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