MAYS LANDING – In a solemn and reverent day of prayer, gratitude and patriotism, Bishop Joseph Williams joined hundreds at Saint Vincent de Paul Church for the annual Wreaths Across America event.
Active duty servicemembers and retired veterans of the Armed Forces, high school ROTC squads, Catholic faithful and community members, schoolchildren, and local faith and civic leaders gathered in the parish parking lot as the Bishop reminded all of the day’s purpose: “to remember those who have given their lives in service to our nation, to honor those who serve and have served, and to teach future generations the value of sacrifice and freedom.”
He also blessed the 2,500 donated wreaths that were later placed on the graves of fallen veterans in Holy Cross Cemetery, located next to the church, and the adjacent Lincoln Memorial Park cemetery. Wreaths were also laid at Saint Bernard cemetery in Dorothy, which is associated with the parish, as well as other cemeteries throughout the area.
“As we place these wreaths, symbols of your unending love and eternal life, on the graves of these fallen, we speak their names aloud,” Bishop Williams said. “We remember their lives, their courage, their sacrifice, and we commend their souls to your mercy. We pray for eternal rest and perpetual light.”
The inclusion of Lincoln Memorial Park cemetery was notable, many said, as the grounds predominantly serve as the final resting place for Black Americans, including almost 500 Civil War veterans.
“Being able to put wreaths [there] is … showing thanks for those who put on the uniform, went through the challenges, and became something bigger than themselves,” said Nathan Lewis, a retired U.S. Marine staff sergeant from Mizpah.
With a 20-year career in the Armed Forces – which included time in Japan, Korea, Israel and Portugal – he said he is thankful “for those who paved the way for me.”
“They did it without question to offer me the opportunity to do the same.” His voice caught as he continued, “Today is everything to me; I’m tight in the chest.”
Lewis’ sister, retired 1st Sgt. Eugeneia Lewis, spent 24 years in the U.S. Army and Marine Corps, serving in Iraq, Kuwait and stateside.
The Hainesport resident echoed her brother’s appreciation for the moment, and for the many people who attended the event “to teach the younger generation to never forget.”
“To see the flags hoisted, all the branches together, even the Cub Scouts … this means so much,” she said.
Indeed, a youthful participation was seen at the day’s proceedings. The Saint Vincent de Paul Regional School choir sang the Armed Forces Medley, while Junior ROTC units of Pleasantville (Army) and Atlantic City (Navy) high schools led the presentation of National Colors. The Lenape Pines Girl Scout Services Unit recited the Pledge of Allegiance.
To remember the deceased, the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 220 Honor Guard fired the rifle salute, which was followed by the playing of “Taps.”
Brig. Gen. Reginald Kornegay, deputy commanding general-operations, U.S. Army 99th Readiness Division, spoke as well, reminding the veterans present “to share your story with your children and grandchildren, and show what it means [to serve your country].”
He urged all not to forget “the wives, husbands, mothers, fathers, brothers, sisters, sons and daughters of those who have served, continue to serve, or will serve in the future. Their silent service should never go unnoticed.”
Peter Eschbach, a U.S. Army veteran and Saint Vincent de Paul parishioner, is the coordinator of the local Wreaths Across America. He said he was pleased with the number of supporters at this year’s event, the third annual. “Everyone stepped up to remember the fallen veterans, and educate the young generations.”
Clergy also took part in the day’s events. Father John March, pastor of the Mays Landing parish, Father Cosme de la Peña, pastor of Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish in Absecon, and Father Patrick Brady, a retired priest, personally placed wreaths on the graves of veterans, and on the graves of deceased priests of the Diocese, too.
Father March, a U.S. Marine veteran, acknowledged the robust crowd in attendance, which he called signs of “universal gratitude for our veterans’ sacrifices.”
“We honor them, and pass on our heritage as a nation and as Catholics when we pray for them,” he said.
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