The Peru Gazette

Peru Gazette photos of 2018 Wreath Laying

National nonprofit Wreaths Across America (WAA) announced that New York State Veterans of Foreign Wars Auxiliary has joined in the effort to support the mission to Remember, Honor, Teach. Judy Lefebvre, President, of the Peru Memorial Veterans of Foreign Wars Auxiliary has accepted the role as Location Coordinator/Organizer between Wreaths Across America and the Old Post Cemetery in Plattsburgh. Previously, the American Military Retiree Association had been the coordinator/organizer but the AMRA ceased operations in March 2018. This is the 14th year that Wreaths Across America will deliver handmade balsam wreaths as a tribute to Veterans laid to rest at VA national cemeteries and state Veterans cemeteries. It is the 27th year that the Worcester Wreath Company will send wreaths to Arlington.

The Peru Memorial VFW Auxiliary and the other New York State Veterans of Foreign Wars Auxiliaries are 3 for 2 fund raisers for Wreaths Across America. In other words, for every two (2) wreaths ($30.00) sponsored, three (3) wreaths will be delivered to participating cemeteries to be “laid” on veterans’ tombstones. All funds raised sponsor wreath deliveries. No funds are retained by any Auxiliary. The Auxiliary accepted the responsibility for raising funds, delivery and “laying” of the wreaths at this historic cemetery to ensure those veterans will continue to be remembered long after the Plattsburgh Air Force Base closed. The wreath laying will take place December 14th at noon.

Please help us by sponsoring a wreath for fifteen dollars ($15.00) or 3 for 2 for only thirty dollars ($30.00). Sponsorships for forty five ($45.00), sixty ($60.00), and/or more will also be appreciated. Make checks payable to: New York State VFW Auxiliary and mail to: Judy Lefebvre, President, Peru Memorial VFW, 710 Pleasant St, Peru, NY 12972. Individuals can also order/purchase wreaths directly from the Wreaths Across America website with their credit card. Remember to use our fund raising code, NY0109, to ensure 3 for 2 delivery and cemetery code, NYOPCP, for the Old Post Cemetery in Plattsburgh.

The Old Post Cemetery is the location of our nation’s first Tomb of the Unknowns, where many of the one hundred thirty six (136) Unknown Soldiers and Sailors of the Battle of Plattsburgh (1814) are interred. It is, also, the final resting place of another one hundred sixty three (163) Known Service Members and many of their family members. Thomas Kelly, Medal of Honor recipient, is laid to rest here. The goal is to raise enough funds to purchase two hundred (200) veterans’ wreaths for the Veterans’ headstones at the Old Post Cemetery. This is a beautiful way to “Remember, Honor and Teach” others about the sacrifices of all our local heroes laid to rest there and to ensure that these individuals who served to protect the freedoms of our country are never forgotten and to bring the community together in patriotic commemoration.

The deadline for the fund raiser is October 31, 2019. Sponsorships/donations received after that date will be considered contributions for 2020. Sponsorship forms are available on Facebook but are not required. The President of the Peru Memorial Auxiliary stated that checks will be accepted and the Auxiliary will complete the sponsorship form. Questions, please contact: Judy Lefebvre, President, Peru Memorial VFW Auxiliary at 518-563-7558 (H) or 518-593-5628 © or biljud@aol.com