Pine, Mars cemeteries participating in Wreaths Across America

Two cemeteries in Pine and one in Mars will participate in Wreaths Across America this holiday season: West Union, Mount Pleasant, and Mars cemeteries.

Wreaths Across America is a non-profit organization that helps commemorate fallen veterans by placing wreaths at their graves each Dec. 16, National Wreaths Across America Day.

Mars resident Bridget Miller first got involved with the organization in 2015 through her former workplace.

“After I left that job, I still kept up with the program. My father, who lives with me, was in the Air Force for 40 years. I’m part of Mars VFW as a social member, and I helped them place flags for Memorial Day this year. I asked the commander, ‘Why aren’t we doing Wreaths Across America?’’’ Miller said.

Miller and the VFW reached out to Wreaths Across America and got approval from the supervisor of the three cemeteries.

“We’re very pleased to honor our veterans by being a participating cemetery for Wreaths Across America,” said John Hanovick, president and supervisor of McDonald-Aeberli Funeral home in Mars, which supervises West Union and Mars cemeteries.

Miller’s most significant need at the moment is trying to get sponsorship for the wreaths — she is estimating there will be 750-800 placed this year. Right now, she has 75 wreaths committed.

“I’m just trying to get sponsorship for wreaths because we got approved. Based on the count for Mount Pleasant, there’s 200 veteran sites there. West Union is the smaller of the three cemeteries and I think Mars has between 300-400 sites,” Miller said.

Those interested in volunteering or sponsoring a wreath can visit wreathsacrossamerica.org/PA0809. For every three wreaths donated, the VFW will receive two to place at the selected cemeteries.