The Peru Gazette

Peru VFW President Judy Lefevre led the wreath-laying

Active members or veterans of every military branch participated

The Tomb of Medal of Honor Recipient Thomas Kelly

Geoff Blaise of Keeseville instructs his daughter Harlee

Goeff Blaise and his son Andrew

The Blaise family of Keeseville L-R Andrew, Goeff, Harlee, Amanda and Tyler in blue jacket

December 14, 2024, Route 9-Lake Forest Drive, Plattsburgh – By John T Ryan

Many veterans, civilians, families and community leaders participated in today’s Wreaths Across America program at the Old Post Cemetery. They laid 210 wreaths at the gravestones of our fallen heroes.

The Wreaths Across America theme is Remember—Honor—Teach. Remember our fallen veterans, honor those who serve and their families, and teach the next generation the value of freedom.

The Old Post Cemetery is the location of our nation’s first Tomb of the Unknowns and the graves of many of the 136 Unknown Soldiers and Sailors of the Battle of Plattsburgh (1814). It is also the final resting place of another 163 known service members, members of their families, and Medal of Honor recipient Thomas Kelly.

Judy LeFevre, President of the Peru VFW Auxiliary, coordinated and led the ceremony. Guest speakers included Plattsburgh Mayor Chris Rosenquest, Mayor-Elect Wendell Hughes, Town of Plattsburgh Supervisor Michael Cashman, Assemblyman Billy Jones, and State Senator Dan Stec. Glenn Miller sang the “Star Spangled Banner” and American Legion Post 1619 Choir sang the “Battle Hymn of the Republic.” American Legion Post 1619 served as an Honor Guard and performed the Rifle Salute. Lori Szczerbak played Taps. Plattsburgh Scout Troops 8039 and 8046 and the Peru Girl Scouts led the Pledge of Allegiance.

The Peru VFW Auxiliary raised $4,600 to purchase the wreaths. Many veterans organizations, veterans, local businesses and community members contributed dollars and services.