MONTOUR COUNTY, Pa. — Wreaths Across America is a national day of remembrance to honor and remember our veterans. Volunteers do that by laying wreaths at cemeteries across the country.
"This year, it's at 4,212 cemeteries across the country. We're laying more than 2.9 million wreaths," Denise Cressman said.
The event happens Saturday at cemeteries throughout our area. Montour County will lay nearly 3,000 wreaths at its 38 cemeteries.
"They represent the sacrifices that were made to ensure our freedom," Cressman said.
This is the second year for Montour County's event. It was organized by Jack Gerst, Colleen Marion, and Denise Cressman.
The ceremony will be at noon at Odd Fellows Cemetery outside of Danville.
"We say every veteran's name as we lay the wreath on the grave. We spend a moment of silence there to honor their sacrifice and that we can be here today doing what we're doing," Cressman said.
After that, volunteers will disperse to other cemeteries to lay wreaths. Veterans who did not make it home will be honored at a second ceremony at 4 p.m. on the Danville/Riverside Bridge.
"Some of us knew a lot of the people lying here in these sacred grounds. When I look at the headstones, I knew them as a little kid, I knew them growing up. It's important to recognize them," Jack Gerst said.
For information on a Wreaths Across America ceremony near you, click here.