Wreaths Across America Announces December Wreath Laying Event
Wreaths Across America
Remember * Honor * Teach
As we appreciate the Autumn in our beautiful region this season, let’s not forget the history that lies beneath the rolling hills and pretty lakes. Many of the little cemeteries tucked away in fields and off the beaten paths are the resting places of those who left farms, businesses and families to secure us peace and freedom. The stones and markers of those who fought in the Revolutionary War to our present-day conflicts are there, and hopefully not forgotten.
These stones have much they can tell us about the individual’s lives. Beyond birth and death dates, they often provide relationships. In addition, epitaphs, together with public records, can provide a record of war, the economy and the movement of people. Most older burial grounds were originally bequeathed to family and neighbors by private landowners. When cemeteries closed, they were passed on to town ownership, as were the cemeteries in the Town of Canandaigua.
The mission of Wreaths Across America is to Remember the fallen, Honor those who serve, and Teach the next generation the value of freedom.
For the second year, two historic cemeteries in the Town of Canandaigua – Hunn Cemetery and Academy Cemetery – will host ceremonies on Saturday, December 14, at 12 Noon, in conjunction with others across the nation, including Arlington National Cemetery. Hunn Cemetery, located at 5821 CR 32, contains the graves of 14 Revolutionary War veterans and 1 veteran from the War of 1812. Academy Cemetery, located at 5200-5298 Old West Lake Road, is the resting place of 48 veterans and honors 7 Civil War veterans on a monument which was dedicated on October 8, 1923.
After the ceremony, guests present may take part by placing a wreath on a veteran’s grave, say their name aloud and thank them for their service. Sons of the American Revolution (SAR) and Civil War re-enactors, as well as guest speakers, will salute those who simply did their duty when called upon.
The goal for Hunn Cemetery (NYHUNN) is to raise enough funds to place 15 sponsored veterans’ wreaths. The goal for Academy Cemetery (NYACAD) is to place 49 sponsored veterans’ wreaths at the monument and the headstones. It’s important to remember all local heroes laid to rest in our cemeteries, to ensure that the individuals who served to protect the freedoms of our country never be forgotten and to bring the community together in patriotic commemoration.
Other cemeteries in Ontario County also take part in National Wreaths Across America Day. Among them are Farmington’s South Farmington Friends Cemetery (NYSFCF); and Middlesex’s Overacker Cemetery (NYOVCK).
After a ceremony at the historic Bristol Center Church, the Bristol Hills Historical Society (NY0417P) and volunteers will place wreaths at their area cemeteries – the Bristol Center Cemetery and the Vincent Hill Cemetery (NYBRCT); the Coye Cemetery and the Wilder Cemetery (NYCOYE); and the Evergreen Cemetery of Bristol (NYEVGN).
In Victor, the Town Hall (NYVTHV) has a ceremony only, whereas 3 other locations place wreaths immediately following their ceremonies. They are Boughton Hill Cemetery (NYBHLL), St. Patrick’s Catholic Cemetery (NYSPKC) and Village of Victor Cemetery (NYVGVC).
Today, many of us go about our busy lives without thinking much about the heritage these war veterans have secured for us. A ceremony, such as those on National Wreaths Across America Day, is a real event that causes us to step aside from our routine and focus on something else. As we place wreaths on veterans’ graves and say the names of these men and women, followed with a word of thanks for their service, we pay honor to those who have . . . and still do . . . heed a higher call.
The outstanding success of WAA is a testament to the fact that many Americans value the importance of this outward sign of inner gratitude. Priorities change with age, and honoring our heroes seems to come more naturally as we grow older. WAA’s year-round events enable us to TEACH the younger generation by example. Check out how WAA supports veterans and veteran causes year-round at www.WreathsAcrossAmerica.org.
Wreaths Across America is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization founded to continue and expand the annual wreath-laying ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery begun by Maine businessman Morrill Worcester in 1992.
If you would like to sponsor a wreath, or sign up to volunteer, you may visit the WAA websites below or scan the QR code for either Hunn or Academy cemetery. Please designate your donation to either www.WreathsAcrossAmerica.org/NYHUNN or to www.WreathsAcrossAmerica.org/NYACAD.
We look forward to having you join us on December 14, 2024 at 12 Noon to take part in celebrating our region’s rich patriotic history to Remember, Honor and Teach.
Written by the Town of Canandaigua’s Wreaths Across America Volunteer Committee