Director of Allegany County Veterans’ Services Mike Middaugh pauses for a moment of silence after placing the wreath on the Vietnam Memorial in Belmont
From the Wreaths Across America Committee,
On Wreaths Across America Day, wreath laying ceremonies at 5,600 locations began at noon throughout the United States with two million volunteers proudly taking part in this event. Belmont is honored to be one of these locations. Saturday, December 13th citizens of all ages gathered in cemeteries of Belmont to honor deceased veterans with wreath laying ceremonies. The Belmont Legion Family Wreaths Across America Committee, Herbert DeLong Legion Post 808 Honor Guard and plenty of helpful community hands worked together on this very special day.
Five hundred forty-four wreaths have been solemnly placed on veterans’ graves in Belmont’s cemeteries and monument locations. During each ceremony a prayer was offered by Belmont Legion Chaplain John Plummer, followed by a brief narrative relative to the importance of each memorial. After the wreath placement a moment of silence was observed in honor of those who served their country, and in some cases, gave their lives. Each ceremony concluded with a closing prayer, a twenty-one-gun salute rendered by the Herbert DeLong Legion Post 808 Honor Guard and the mournfulcall of taps played by Norm Patton.
On Saturday, December 13th, at 10:30 veterans were first honored at the Vietnam Memorial which is located on the front lawn Allegany County Courthouse. Mike Middaugh, Director of Allegany County Veterans’ Services, placed the first wreath of the day on the Vietnam Memorial. Following a moment of silence and conclusion of the service, those attending the monument ceremonies traveled to the World War II Memorial in Veterans’ Park located by the waterfalls, the Korean War Memorial located in front of the Belmont Legion, and the Civil War Monument which stands proudly in the Park Circle.
At noon in Belmont on Saturday volunteers at the Forest Hills Cemetery and St. Mary’s Roman Catholic Cemetery held their ceremonies of respect and honor. Volunteers of all ages took this responsibility seriously as they trudged through snow in cold conditions. It was indeed inspiring to see children and grandchildren with their families taking part in this event as they paid homage to the veterans for their sacrifices and service for our country. This experience emphasizes the fact that liberty and justice for all come at a price. The children and young people participating in Wreaths Across America Day on Saturday, December 13th will have a much better understanding of that price.
The Belmont Legion Family Wreaths Across America Committee would like to thank each and every one of you who participated in Wreaths Across America Day. We hope that your experience was one of reflection and appreciation for those who answered the call to serve our country.
