Published January 01. 2025 09:52AM
By MICHAEL HIRSCH
Special to The Press
Knights of Columbus Council 10921 of Allentown held a commemorative wreath-laying ceremony, honoring veterans and fallen service members on Dec. 14, 2024, at Resurrection Cemetery, Upper Macungie Township.
Approximately 1,600 wreaths were donated for Wreaths Across America.
St. Luke’s University Health Network helped to remember and honor this nation’s veterans and there was a ceremony to honor branches of the military.
Don Sheatsley is a member of the Knights of Columbus and led this effort to get the 1,600 wreaths so that every grave would have a wreath.
South Whitehall Township Commissioner Monica Hodges thanked Sheatsley.
“Thank you, Don, for all you did to increase awareness about this beautiful event,” Hodges said. “It was an honor to participate in it.
“So beautifully done. May our departed veterans rest in eternal peace.”
Some of the major donors to the program this year included: Service Electric, St Luke’s University Health Network, local Knights of Columbus councils, Jaindl Foundation, AARP of the Lehigh Valley, Astound Broadband, and hundreds of individuals and families.
Starting on National Wreaths Across America Day, Dec. 14, 2024, and running through Jan. 17, all wreaths sponsored through a registered WAA Sponsorship Group will be matched by HQ for placement on the next National Wreaths Across America Day on Dec. 13.
Go to wreathsacrossamerica.org/pages/17119/ and help give Resurrection Cemetery a great start to 2025.
PRESS PHOTO BY MICHAEL HIRSCHJason Andrews, SLUHN; Brian Hallock, Master, Knights of Columbus; Alexander Neagle, sophomore at Allentown Central Catholic, who gave a reading; Most Rev. Alfred Schlert, Bishop of Allentown; Col. James Crocker, Tobyhanna Army Depot Commander; Julia Janis, who sang the national anthem; and John Fitzpatrick, co-coordinator of the ceremony.
PRESS PHOTO BY MICHAEL HIRSCHDiane Phillips Kelly and her husband Jeff Kelly privately donated several wreaths.
