Wreaths Across America Honors Late Veterans In Long Valley

LONG VALLEY, NJ — Wreaths will be placed on the graves of veterans across the country this weekend to commemorate and remember those who served our country.

According to event organizers, this year's Long Valley Remembers Wreaths Across America Memorial Service will be held on Dec. 16 at noon at St. Mark the Evangelist RC Church, which is located at 59 Spring Lane.

Following the ceremony, participants and volunteers are invited to lay wreaths on veterans' graves marked by American flags at local cemeteries.

"At 1 p.m., we will then gather at the various Washington Township cemeteries for the laying of Remembrance wreaths on the graves of our country's fallen heroes and the act of saying the name of each and every veteran aloud," event organizers said.

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.

Wreaths Across America's mission is to honor and remember every veteran by laying remembrance wreaths across their graves and speaking their names out loud.

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