For the past 10 years, John Fitzpatrick, former District Master of the Knights of Columbus, has coordinated a local "Wreaths Across America" ceremony at Resurrection Cemetery in Allentown.
The 2024 event is set to take place Saturday, Dec. 14 at noon at Resurrection Cemetery, Allentown, with Bishop Alfred Schlert in attendance.
Wreaths Across America is a volunteer-led nationwide event with over 4,000 locations, including Arlington National Cemetery. The program's mission is to "Remember the fallen. Honor those who serve. Teach the next generation the value of freedom.”
Morrill Worcester founded Wreaths Across America in 1992. A visit to Arlington Cemetery as a child impacted the way he viewed his freedoms and opportunities in America and later led him to begin the practice of laying extra wreaths from his business, Worcester Wreath, on veterans' graves.
The tradition and movement that began with Worcester in 1992 grew and made a lasting impact on families of veterans who come to visit the graveside of their loved ones around the holidays.
Locally, in Allentown, in addition to the support of the Knights of Columbus and the local church community, St. Luke's University Health Network came alongside the event coordinators to help raise money for the wreaths.
Last year, Jason Andrews of St. Luke's University Health Network was thankful to inform the crowd that it was the first year the community raised enough money to place a wreath on each of the 1,700 graves in the cemetery.
The coordinators still need donations to help cover the costs of this year's event. They'll be collecting funds until Thursday, Nov. 28. To donate to this worthy cause, go to www.wreathsacrossamerica.org/PA0353.
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