Despite the ease of connectivity, media often favors discourse on issues concerning the U.S. Department of Defense rather than the individuals who serve in it, Peter Eschbach believes. Because of this, many aspects of the military are misunderstood.
“Less than three percent of the American population has served in the Armed Forces,” said Eschbach of Saint Vincent de Paul Parish, Mays Landing. “We have all of these freedoms thanks to the people who have paid the ultimate sacrifice, and it is important that we take a minute or two to say, ‘Thank you.’”
Eschbach, a member of Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 220 in Mays Landing, had this in mind when he attended a Wreaths Across America ceremony in December of last year. 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, every December hundreds of thousands of wreaths are laid on graves of those in the Armed Forces to remember their service and thank them for their sacrifice.
Eschbach, a U.S. Army veteran and graduate of the United States Military Academy, West Point, N.Y., wanted to see Wreaths Across America in South Jersey. With the approval of VFW Post 220 and the Saint Vincent de Paul Parish Council, he set out on a mission to bring this event to Holy Cross Cemetery and to use it as a source of strength and unity for the parish and surrounding community. The cemetery is located next to Saint Vincent de Paul Church.
“This is the first time any [Camden] diocesan cemetery has sponsored a Wreaths Across America event,” said Debra Moore, assistant director for cemetery marketing and outreach for South Jersey Catholic Cemeteries. “We are hoping to get 500 wreaths and plenty of volunteers for the actual ceremony.”
To support this goal, the Mays Landing parish and the nearby Saint Vincent de Paul Regional School, along with Scout Troop 452 Civil Air Patrol, Atlantic County Composite Squadron, and others have established channels through which people can sponsor wreaths. Each wreath costs $17. For every wreath donated through one of the sponsoring organizations, $5 benefits that organization. For instance, $5 of every $17 donated to Saint Vincent de Paul will benefit the parish food bank. The deadline to donate is Nov. 28.
At noon on Dec. 16, Holy Cross Cemetery will host a wreath and military remembrance ceremony. The event will begin in the parish parking lot adjacent to the cemetery.
Father John March, parish pastor, who is also a former U.S. Marine and graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy, will deliver a welcome address, followed by a presentation of colors by the Atlantic County Institute of Technology NJROTC Color Guard. Oakcrest High School’s chorus will perform the national anthem, and students from Saint Vincent de Paul Regional School will present one wreath for each of the six military service branches. In addition, prior to the placement of wreaths on graves, members of the VFW Post 220 Honor Guard will perform a rifle salute, and a member of the Oakcrest High School Band will play “Taps.”
The wreaths will remain in place until early January. Volunteers are needed to help with removal; the wreaths will be transported to Funny Farm Rescue Animal Sanctuary in Mays Landing and recycled into feed for the animals.
“This event will … foster a deeper appreciation for service and sacrifice,” Eschbach said, adding that he hopes the initiative also supports as many community and parish organizations as possible. “Above all, this You are not allowed to view this event. is about helping people understand the cost of freedom and that it is not something we can take for granted.”
Moore agreed. “Wreaths Across America is a great organization, and I hope that by supporting their efforts, we will reach young people and encourage them to volunteer and serve in our Armed Forces.”
For more information about sponsorship and volunteering, visit wreathsacrossamerica.org/NJ0274P. For questions about donations or volunteering, email peter.eschbach@outlook.com.
Veteran Perspectives
Veterans Day is Nov. 11, and members of the Catholic War Veterans Post 1578 will be chatting with Talking Catholic later this month. Tune in as the podcast hosts travel to Bridgeton to hear from these brave military members. Visit talking.catholicstarherald.org.
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