3rd annual Wreaths Across America event scheduled in Bethel Park

Lisa Jenkins’ father, David Schmitt, was a U.S. Army tank driver in Korea.

He is her inspiration for becoming co-coordinator of Bethel Park Wreaths Across America with her husband, Jim Jenkins.

Wreaths Across America started in 1992 when the owner of a company in Maine arranged for placement of wreaths at graves in Arlington (Va.) National Cemetery. Since then, cemeteries such as Bethel Cemetery Co. have joined.

“I feel like by doing this I am honoring my dad as well as all of the veterans,” Lisa Jenkins said. “This day is about patriotism and respect for our veterans.”

At noon on Dec. 16, cemeteries across the country will host a Wreaths Across America ceremony. There will the sounding of “Taps,” and some public officials will speak. Following that, volunteers will place wreaths with red bows on the 548 veterans’ graves at Bethel Cemetery on Bethel Church Road and say the deceased veteran’s name out loud.

They will hand out flags to the children and talk to them about what these veterans did for our freedom. They will replace any tattered or torn flags on graves. This year, they’ve added Peters Creek Baptist Church Cemetery on Library Road, which has 30 graves of veterans.

The mission of Wreaths Across America is: “Remember the fallen, honor those who serve, and teach the next generation the value of freedom.”

This will be the third annual event in Bethel Park.

Jenkins contacted the national Wreaths Across America organization, which helped her with information to get started. She said she is grateful for all of the volunteers from the community who make this all possible, including the Bethel Park Historical Society, which is sponsoring the event.

The wreaths will arrive via South Hills Movers, based in Bethel Park, which donates the use of the 53-foot trailer.

Drivers travel to Maine to collect the wreaths and bring them back, making stops along the way to deliver wreaths.

Erica Lee, safety administrator for South Hills Movers, said the company is proud to honor these veterans.

“Everyone at South Hills Movers has been enthusiastic about participating in this,” she said. “We attend the ceremony and help place wreaths. It means so much to us and to all the families who have loved ones there. It really hits home when you place a wreath on a grave.”

Tim Moury, president of the Bethel Park Historical Society, said the event is a very fitting way to honor those who have served our country.

“We must never forget those who have paid the ultimate sacrifice,” he said.

The goal is to have sponsors for 900 wreaths for the Bethel and Peters Creek cemeteries, plus other veterans’ memorial or grave sites, Lisa Jenkins said. The cost is $17 per wreath.

If they exceed the goal of 900, that money is used for wreaths for next year.

“We will be out there in rain, snow, whatever weather,” Jenkins said. “Everyone has been fantastic and supported this. It takes so many people to put this together, and I appreciate every one of them.”

If you would like to sponsor a wreath, contact the Bethel Park Historical Society at historicalsocietybp@gmail.com.