Pennsylvania Veterans Honored with Wreaths at Soldiers' and Sailors' Home Cemetery

ANNVILLE, Pa., Dec. 13, 2017 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Members of the community and volunteers from the Pennsylvania Soldiers' and Sailors' Home in Erie will place wreaths on each of the 1,324 graves in its veterans cemetery in coordination with the national Wreaths Across America program on Saturday, Dec. 16. The annual event places wreaths at more than 1,200 locations across America, at sea and abroad to honor service members who have served and sacrificed.

"Celebrating Wreaths Across America at veterans' cemeteries helps us remember our veteran heroes, honor their tremendous service and sacrifice, and teach other Americans about those brave few who are responsible for the freedom and liberty that we enjoy every day in this great nation," said Maj. Gen. Tony Carrelli, Pennsylvania's adjutant general. "At the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs (DMVA), we are proud to advocate for our veterans and active service members, and equally proud to honor those American patriots interred in the hallowed ground at the Pennsylvania Soldiers' and Sailors' Home cemetery."

The Pennsylvania Soldiers' and Sailors' Home is one of six State Veterans Homes operated by the DMVA in Pennsylvania and the only one which maintains an active veterans cemetery. The home has traditionally held a ceremony to remember those interred in its cemetery, which was established in 1896 and includes graves dating back to the Civil War era. Last year marked the first time wreaths were placed at every site, a new tradition that is being continued this year.

About 50 volunteers will place the wreaths, which were generously funded by donations from individuals and organizations throughout the community.

Wreaths will be placed beginning at 9:30 a.m., with a ceremony featuring the North East Wesleyville American Legion Honor Guard to follow at noon.

MEDIA CONTACT: Joan Nissley, DMVA, 717-861-8720

SOURCE Pennsylvania Department of Military and Veterans Affairs

Related Links

http://www.dmva.state.pa.us