WREATHS ACROSS AMERICA

 

On Saturday, December 13, 2008, at 12 Noon, Oak Tree Chapter participated in the laying of 651 wreaths on the graves at Finn's Point National Cemetery in Salem County.

 

Helen Fite Petrin, Chaplain of Oak Tree Chapter, was Chairman of this event.

 

The Today's Sunbeam newspaper gave Wreaths Across America prime coverage in the newspaper on September 19, 2008; November 9, 2008; November 18, 2008; and December 14, 2008 (today) front page coverage of the activities from yesterday with colored pictures.

 

There are approximately 378 grave sites at Finn's Point National Cemetery:  281 grave sites of veterans from 1989 to the present; 78 Union soldiers from the Civil War; 2,400 Confederate soldiers who are buried in a mass gave; and 13 political prisoners.

 

651 wreaths were laid on the graves.  There was a color guard from the American Legion, and two Boy Scouts played Taps.  There were over 200 in attendance.  Martha Hogan-Battisti and family served hot chocolate, cookies, pretzels, and candy canes.

 

7 veterans of all branches of the military laid special wreaths in honor of their branch of the military.  Represented were:  Army (Niles Bailey, husband of Sarah Bailey), Navy, Marines (Michael Spears, husband of Susan Spears), Air Force (Martha Hogan-Battisti--Oak Tree Chapter Treasurer--an Air Force veteran); Coast Guard, Merchant Marines, and a Prisoner of War.

 

Helen Petrin's son Michael led in the singing of the Star Spangled Banner.  The American flags were all blowing in the wind as as recited the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag of our country.

 

It was an honor for Oak Tree Chapter to partner with Wreaths Across America in this historic event honoring our veterans.

 

Helen Fite Petrin is to be congratulated for her outstanding support and dedication to this project.  She is planning to be Chairman of Wreaths Across America in 2009.