Jeptha Abbott DAR Sponsors Wreaths Across America Event at Old Eagle School Cemetery – Top Media News

December 17, 2022, National Wreath Day across America, is observed to REMEMBER the fallen, HONOR those who serve, and TEACH our children the value of freedom. The organization’s mission is accomplished by coordinating wreath-laying ceremonies at Arlington National Cemetery and more than 3,400 additional locations in all 50 US states, at sea and abroad.

The Jeptha Abbott Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) Chapter will be participating again at the Old Eagle School Cemetery, Wayne, Pa., at 11 a.m. They are open to the public.

Rear Admiral (R) Scott Clendenin, US Coast Guard (Virginia, formerly Springfield, Pa.), will be the keynote speaker. He previously worked at the US headquarters in charge of seven operational areas. Prior to that, he captained four different Coast Guard boats, including Hamilton, a 418-foot national security boat named after Alexander Hamilton.

As part of the United States’ celebration of the Vietnam War, Vietnam Veteran Lt. (R) (jg) Michael Freeland (Winewood, Pa.) will receive a Vietnam 50th Anniversary Commemorative Badge.

As part of the event, there will be a wreath-laying ceremony from representatives of each type of service. Participating:

U.S. Air Force — Dwayne C. Parker Jr., in honor of his father, Second Lt. Dwayne C. Parker Sr., Phoenixville;

U.S. Army — Lt. Col. (R) Mark O’Neill, U.S. Army Special Forces, Bryn Mawr;

US Coast Guard – Rear Adm. (R) Scott W. Clendenin, Va. (formerly of Springfield, Pa.);

U.S. Marine Corps Corporal (R) Anthony Filippelli, Strafford;

US Mercantile Infantry — William Gresh, state president, Pennsylvania Sons of the American Revolution, in honor of his father, Staff Sergeant (R) Perry Gresh, Paoli;

U.S. Navy – Lt. (R) (jg) Michael W. Freeland, U.S. Navy Reserve, Vinewood;

POW-MIA — Lt. (R) (jg) Thomas C. Dees, Jr., U.S. Navy, Surface Warfare Officer, Haverford.

In addition, the following members of the Pennsylvania Society Sons of the Revolution Color Guard will present the colors: Jay Bowden, Wayne, Pa. John Fitzgerald, Thornton, Pa. Robert Flood, Montgomeryville, Pa. Kip Gerhart, Philadelphia, Pa. Rob McNally, Collegeville, Pennsylvania, and Leif Zetterberg, Bryn Mawr

After the ceremony, the public will lay balsam wreaths at all the veterans’ graves, some of which date back to the American Revolution. Wreaths are provided by Wreaths Across America and are $15 each. To purchase a wreath for a veteran’s grave, go to WAA-Old Eagle School. The deadline for purchases is November 29.

Old Eagle Cemetery is located at 175 Old Eagle School Road in Wayne, Pennsylvania. Snacks will be served. Parking is at Strafford Railway Station.

Jeptha Abbott, DAR Regent, Terry Fisher, says, “As direct descendants of the patriots of the American Revolution, we are compelled to honor these heroes and all veterans for generations. This event allows us to support a great organization while fulfilling our mission of historical preservation, education and patriotism.”

NSDAR was founded in 1890 to promote historical preservation, education and patriotism. Its members are descended from the patriots who won American independence during the Revolutionary War. With more than 185,000 members in approximately 3,000 chapters worldwide, DAR is one of the largest and most active service organizations in the world. To learn more about the work of Today’s DAR, visit DAR.org or connect with DAR on social media at facebook.com/TodaysDAR, twitter.com/TodaysDAR and youtube.com/TodaysDAR.

Named for Jeptha Abbott, a Revolutionary War soldier, the Jeptha Abbott DAR Chapter was founded on November 18, 1929 by Elizabeth Abigail Ransley. To learn more about the Jeptha Abbott DAR Chapter and how to join, visit jacdar.org.