SCHUYLKILL HAVEN -- There's a nationwide effort underway to make sure veterans aren't forgotten during this holiday season. Volunteers are putting a half million Christmas wreaths on veteran’s graves.
A police car and several fire trucks escorted a tractor-trailer, loaded with Christmas wreaths near Schuylkill Haven. The truck stopped by to drop off wreaths for a ceremony honoring all branches of the military.
“Our main mission of Wreaths Across America is to teach our country, and especially our young people, about veterans and the sacrifices they made for our country,” said Jim Farrell of Wreaths Across America.
They do that by dropping off wreaths at various locations. The wreaths are then placed on the graves of veterans.
Army Captain Mark Resh died when his helicopter crashed in 2007 in Iraq.
“Wreaths Across America is close to my heart. In 2011, I did the convoy that left Maine and went all the way to Arlington and it's an experience that I will never forget,” said Carol Resh.
The wreaths are placed on the graves by volunteers.
“It is a very emotional time of the year for families that have lost soldiers, and to lay a wreath, to bring a little joy to them, to show there are people who do care,” said Cosette Pohronezny of Schuylkill Haven.
“This gives us the opportunity for the men and woman who did not make it home, who gave their life for their country, a little Christmas present, a wreath that they well deserve,” said Vietnam vet Guy Weiderhold.
Officials say this ceremony will be repeated near Schuylkill Haven next year.