Fallen Veterans Remembered In Long Valley

LONG VALLEY, NJ — Residents across Long Valley gathered this weekend to pay tribute to veterans of the past and present during the annual Wreaths Across America ceremony.

This year's Long Valley Remembers Wreaths Across America Memorial Service was held on Dec. 16 at noon at St. Mark the Evangelist RC Church, which is located at 59 Spring Lane.

According to Paul W. Richartz, American Veterans Association Washington Township Post 1776, the Post’s Honor Guard presented the colors and Post Commander Navy Veteran Tom McBride delivered opening remarks. The invocation was given by post-chaplain Army veteran Tim Kelly.

Wreaths were delivered on behalf of each armed service, including the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Coast Guard, Space Force, and Merchant Marine.

American Veterans Association Washington Township Post 1776 Navy Veteran Larry Oppel delivered a unique wreath in memory of West Morris Central alumnus and Air Force Veteran Larry Maysey, who is still missing in action in Laos.

US Army Veteran Charles "Chuck" Dauchert laid a wreath in honor of a member of his unit, Army Specialist Richard Lacey, who is still missing in Vietnam.

Following the ceremony, American Veterans Association Washington Township Post 1776 participants and members of the local community laid wreaths on veterans' graves at the German Valley, Pleasant Grove, Middle Valley, Old Stone Union and Our Lady of the Mountain Cemeteries.

Wreaths Across America began nearly 25 years ago at Arlington National Cemetery with only 5,000 wreaths; since then, the program has expanded to over 2500 locations throughout all 50 states.

Sara Guida launched the tradition in Long Valley in 2016 as a Girl Scout Gold Award project, and the township has continued the annual event with the support of the Knights of Columbus.

For more information on how to donate or sponsor a wreath, visit the website for Wreaths Across America.