One hundred fifty wreaths are placed in Blades Cemetery through Wreaths Across America

One hundred fifty wreaths were placed in Blades Cemetery on Dec. 13 to remember and honor veterans and fire fighters as part of the Wreaths Across America national campaign. Blades Mayor Nancy McAdams said in her opening remarks that the town was “privileged to remember the fallen by laying a wreath at each soldier’s grave, to honor the families of the fallen and those who have served or are serving, and to teach the next generations the value of freedom.”

David Rose takes a wreath to be placed on a veteran’s grave in Blades in a nationwide event, Wreaths Across America. Photo courtesy of Blades Wreaths Across America Committee

The tradition of laying wreaths began at Arlington National Cemetery in 1992 and evolved into a national nonprofit organization, Wreaths Across America, in 2007. This year, more than two million volunteers and supporters laid wreaths at more than 5,200 participating locations in all 50 states, at sea and abroad.

This is the third year Blades has participated. The graves of veterans and firefighters were identified and marked with flags before the event.

“The campaign was a great success,” said project chairperson, Francine Kay. “I was so blessed to have all these volunteers come out to make it a success.”

The goal of 126 wreaths for veterans was met, and 24 firefighters who were not veterans were also remembered. Kathryn’s Flowers of Bethel donated 10 wreaths for those graves, and the remainder were purchased by the Blades Volunteer Fire Department.

Several volunteers gathered on Thursday to “fluff” the wreaths and straighten bows that had been delivered to the Town of Blades garage.

Even more volunteers were on hand Dec. 13 at the cemetery to place the wreaths on designated graves after a formal ceremony.

Blades resident Rev. Craig Fenstermacher, senior pastor at Annville United Christian Church in Palmyra, Pa., gave the opening prayer. The Sussex Tech Junior ROTC Color Guard returned this year to hold the flag ceremony. After the Rev. David Kiser of Seaford Wesleyan Church gave the benediction, Charles Michel, Commander of the state of Delaware Legionnaires, played Taps.