“We are not here to decorate graves. We are here to remember their lives.”
Memorable “Wreaths Across America” ceremonies were conducted today at the Old Post Cemetery in Plattsburgh. Volunteers placed wreaths on two-hundred graves at this cemetery and at five other Clinton County cemeteries. The Wreaths Across America program theme is “Remember-Honor-Teach.” Judy Lefevre, who organized the ceremony, stressed that theme stating, “We are not here to decorate graves. we are here to remember their lives.” An Honor Guard placed the first wreath at Spanish- American War Veteran and Congressional Medal of Honor recipient Thomas Kelly (1827-1920). He was born in Ireland and died in Plattsburgh.
State Senator Dan Stec, Assemblyman Billy Jones, Town of Plattsburgh Supervisor Michael Cashman, and City of Plattsburgh Mayor Christopher Rosenquest recalled veterans’ great sacrifices for our country.
Judy Lefevre asked people laying wreaths to stand quietly before the graves, say the veteran’s name, thank them for their service to our country, step forward, and place the wreath leaning against upright stones or top of flat markers, and take two steps back.
Posted: December 18th, 2021 under Community Events, Northern NY News, Veterans' News.