See the GALLERY, 2025 wreaths are on sale now
From Patrice Haskell, Belmont Wreaths Across America
Saturday December 14,2024, wreaths were placed on the graves of 526 veterans, in the six cemeteries in the town of Amity. The day started at 7 degrees and very early. The Belmont Wreaths Across America branch distributed the wreaths at the drop points at the cemeteries before the ceremonies.
Upon arrival at County Vietnam Veterans Memorial there was a young woman there that said she was there to honor her father that has passed away. She said that she had just heard about the ceremony the night before. She shared the memories of her father helping with the planning of the memorial. The woman said her father brought her here in 1986 when the memorial was dedicated. As heartfelt as it was, she was asked to place the wreath at the 10AM ceremony. With tears in her eyes, she placed the wreath in honor of all the veterans. Ceremonies were also held at Legion Park, the Korean War Memorial, then the Civil War Monument in Park Circle.
At noon there were ceremonies at Forest Hills and St. Mary’s cemeteries simultaneously and followed with the wreath laying. There were about 61 volunteers and family members laying wreaths honoring veterans.
Wreaths Across America Belmont Branch is a committee of about 12 people. They host a dance in October and a Christmas Tree Decorating contest to help raise money for wreaths for the veterans. One of the members said, “It is truly an expression of our respect for our veterans and our resolve to never let their service to this great country be a distant memory.”
The committee would like to Congratulate the Christmas tree decorating winners: Best Theme was awarded to The Dawson Family, Most Beautiful Tree was awarded to East Wind Nursery, and The Most Creative was awarded to Amity Rescue Squad. They would also like to thank all of the sponsors: Belmont Library, Holy Family Altar Society, GV Educators Association, Belmont Fire Department, Legion Auxiliary, Hanson Farms, Amity Rescue Squad, Belmont Rotary, ALCO Credit Union, Community Bank, East Wind Nursery, Gospel Fellowship, Off Duty, Cy Dawson Memorial Tree, Town of Amity- Village of Belmont, Genesee Valley Rotary Interact Club and Belmont Rotary.
Suzie Thomas would like to let everyone know that Wreaths are on sale from now until 01/17/25 for next year’s sponsorship, every wreath that is sponsored WAA will match it . If you would like to order a wreath reach out to Suzie at the Belmont American Legion Post 808. Belfast, Cuba, Rushford and Whitesville also take part in wreaths across America.
If you would like to help your community start taking part with placing wreaths in your community, please reach out to American Legion post 808 her number 585-610-6485.
