Through the County’s VSA, the Orange County Veterans Cemetery (OCVC) is seeking donations for its revamped Wreaths Across America (WAA) celebration for 2020.
Due to health and safety concerns as well as the current economic climate caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, OCVC has canceled the WAA ceremonial event and as such will not be seeking volunteers for the laying of wreaths on gravesites at the cemetery this year. However, the OCVC will be creating a substitute display that will be completed by cemetery staff prior to December 19, 2020. The display will be available for all to enjoy during visits to the cemetery; and will also promote the Wreaths Across America tradition of “Remember-Honor-Teach.”
The display will consist of a limited number of wreaths placed throughout the cemetery grounds, along with six beautiful holiday trees placed by the entrance monument. Friends and family members of our Veterans will be invited to place a picture of their loved one(s) on the trees in a provided wreath ornament. These photo ornaments will be made available prior to December 19th, and at no cost. Donations will be utilized to offset the costs of this year’s display.
“Wreaths Across America will have a different look and feel this year, but it is important for our community to remain safe and healthy. This is a great way to continue the tradition of honoring our Veterans during the holiday season,” Orange County Executive Steven M. Neuhaus said. “Although the official ceremony and event cannot happen as in the past, this display will give people the opportunity to honor our Veterans each time they visit.”
Orange County Veterans Cemetery will not be selling wreaths for 2020. Any wreaths purchased through the WAA website will be carried over to our 2021 event. Donations being sought will be used for the substitute display. Should donation amounts exceed the costs, the surplus funds will be used to purchase wreaths for 2021.
Wreaths or grave blankets may still be purchased privately and placed at the cemetery in accordance with floral regulations.
Donations for this year’s display can be made in any amount. Checks should be written to “Nam Knights M/C” with WAA 2020 written on the memo line. They can be mailed or dropped off to OCVC, located at 111 Craigville Road, Goshen NY 10924.
For further information about this year’s display, please visit “Wreathsacrossamerica.org” using cemetery code NYOCVM in the dropdown search; or contact Cemetery Superintendent Dave Andryshak at 845-494-3768.
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