On Saturday, Dec. 17, you're invited to remember those who've served our country by helping to place wreaths in cemeteries in the Wrightsville area through Wreaths Across America. The event will begin in Fairview Cemetery, 600 Hellam St., Wrightsville, at noon.

"Everybody will gather for a short ceremony," said Phil Lehman, president of the Wrightsville Cemetery Association and event organizer. "We'll start with the posting of the colors and the national anthem by members of the Twin Rose Community Band, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance." Lehman plans to speak briefly about Wreaths Across America, a national nonprofit organization with a simple mission: "Remember, honor, teach." State Sen. Kristin Phillips-Hill will also speak, and wreaths will be presented for each branch of service as well as in honor of prisoners of war. The ceremony will conclude with a rifle salute and the playing of taps. Volunteers will then disperse to place wreaths on graves throughout Fairview Cemetery, Mount Pisgah Cemetery and Union Cemetery. Members of the Wrightsville American Legion Post 469 will lead volunteers at Mount Pisgah Cemetery, located on the 200 block of Mulberry Street, and representatives from Historic Wrightsville Inc. will direct the effort at Union Cemetery on the 300 block of Chestnut Street.

Although families of veterans are coming to lay some wreaths, volunteers are needed to complete the project, Lehman said, noting that there are about 400 wreaths to distribute. "We're asking schools, sports teams and community members to come out and help," he said. "This event is a way to remember our veterans and what they have done for the people in this community."

The wreaths will stay on the graves until Saturday, Jan. 14, 2023, when volunteers will also be needed for cleanup. People should meet at Fairview Cemetery at 11 a.m. to help with cleanup.

On Dec. 17, there will be no parking on the main cemetery road after 10:30 a.m., and the main entry at Hellam Street will be closed to traffic at 10:30 a.m. All street parking will be available, except for the south side of the 600 block of Hellam Street, which will be reserved for the speaker, first responders and members of the Hellam Township Police Department.

For more information on Wreaths Across America in Wrightsville, call Lehman at 717-992-2042.