Atlantic County Needs 2,500 Wreaths and Volunteers for Veterans’ Memorial Event

Local groups need volunteers to help place 2,500 wreaths at Holy Cross Cemetery's veterans' memorial service. The Dec. 13 event in Mays Landing starts at noon, no matter the weather.

"We need your help," said Peter Eschbach of Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 220, according to Shore Local Newsmagazine. "We don't know them all, but we owe them all."

The 99th Readiness Division's commander, Army Major General Laurence Linton, will speak at the service. Bishop Joseph Williams from the Diocese of Camden plans to attend.

Students from St. Vincent dePaul Regional School will sing while VFW members fire a rifle salute with Taps. Young people from scout troops, Civil Air Patrol, and three school JROTC units will join in.

Atlantic County started taking part in this nationwide tribute three years ago. The practice started at Arlington National Cemetery back in 1992.

"Each wreath shows thanks, duty, and life without end," Eschbach said. "When we put down a wreath and say a name, we show that these veterans stay in our hearts."

Wreath sponsors pay $17 each. The program shares $5 from each wreath with chosen groups that help others. Last year's event raised nearly $2,000 for St. Vincent de Paul's food bank.

Families worked side by side at last year's event. "Kids often don't know much about past wars or fallen soldiers. Putting wreaths down with their parents teaches them about service and sacrifice," Eschbach said.