WVU-P to join Wreaths Across America

PARKERSBURG -- West Virginia University at Parkersburg will take part in Wreaths Across America Day on Saturday, a national mission to solemnly lay wreaths of evergreens on the gravesites of those who gave it all, symbolizing the beauty and brevity of life.

The WVU-P Veteran Corps will team up with the Wood County Marine Corps League to take part in Wreaths Across America at the university.

"A fellow veteran, Wayne Starcher, approached me and asked if the WVU Parkersburg Veteran Corps would like to partner with his Marine Corps League Detachment and participate in Wreaths Across America Day," said Darren Shearlock, Retired Master Sergeant of the U.S. Army and WVU-P Veterans advocate.

Each year, on Dec. 19, Wreaths Across America coordinates wreath-laying ceremonies at Arlington National Cemetery and other locations across the U.S., at sea and abroad to remember and honor veterans as well as teach future generations about service members' sacrifices. Throughout the year, Wreaths Across America works to ensure that no veteran or their families are forgotten and strives to teach the next generation to honor veterans the same way.

On Wreaths Across America Day, a volunteer places a wreath on top of a veteran's grave and is encouraged to speak that veteran's name, tell their story and thank them for their service.

"Both the WVU Parkersburg Veteran Corps and the Marine Corps League Detachment want everyone to know we understand the true cost of freedom and thank God every day for the men and women who paid the price for us," Shearlock said.

"It is a way to remember our fallen U.S. veterans, honor those who serve and teach the value of freedom," said Wayne Starcher of the Marine Corps League Wood County Detachment 1087.

The ceremony will be led by the Marine Corps League and held at the WVU-P poorhouse cemetery on Saturday, Dec. 19, at 1 p.m.

Students and community members are welcome to attend and participate in the ceremony to complete the Wreaths Across America mission.

Visit wreathsacrossamerica.org or contact Veterans Advocate Darren Shearlock at darren.shearlock@wvup.edu for more information.