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LEHIGH VALLEY WEATHER
Bethlehem Catasauqua East Penn Northampton Northwestern Parkland Salisbury Whitehall-Coplay

Jordan UCC hosts annual Wreaths Across America ceremony

Published December 21. 2025 08:00PM
by LOU WHEELAND Special to The Press

Jordan United Church of Christ, 1837 Church Road, South Whitehall, was one of the many sites across the country celebrating Wreaths Across America, Dec. 13.

The program began with a ceremony held in the church sanctuary.

The wreaths are placed on the graves of veterans who served the United States, whether in times of peace or war.

According to the Wreaths Across America website, “A veteran’s wreath is a symbol of Honor, Respect and Victory.”

That mantra was evident as all visitors paid a great deal of respect during the ceremony.

John Harting and Ty Kontir read the “Christmas on the Rappahannock,” by Rev. John R. Paxton, D.D. and printed in Harper’s Weekly in 1886.

It told the story of Union and Confederate soldiers following the bloody battle of Fredericksburg and how soldiers on each side shared their meager meals and clothing on Christmas Day, 1862.

Private Charles Radeline, a Lehigh Valley native, served with Company G, 14th United States Infantry during the Battle of Fredericksburg and was the oldest living Civil War veteran in the Lehigh Valley at his death at 85 in 1930.

He is interred in Jordan’s cemetery.

Active duty, retired and veteran members of the military presented wreaths honoring each branch of the United States Military including the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Coast Guard, Merchant Marine and Space Force.

U.S. Congressman Ryan Mackenzie, 7th District, addressed the attendees and expressed his support for members of the military and their families.

PRESS PHOTOS BY LOU WHEELANDMembers of the Parkland High School band, under the direction of Allison Figueroa, performs during the Wreaths Across America ceremony held Dec. 13 at Jordan United Church of Christ, 1837 Church Road, South Whitehall.
Ben Hemmer, a member of Boy Scout Troop 1600, gives the closing remarks at the Wreaths Across America ceremony.
Aneesh Kashalkar, with Boy Scout Troop 1600, performs taps at the end of the Wreaths Across America ceremony.
PRESS PHOTOS BY LOU WHEELANDBoy Scouts Chris Rarick and Harry Stout, with Troop 1600, retire the colors at the Wreaths Across America ceremony.
Active duty, retired and veterans present memorial wreaths representing each branch of the military during the Wreaths Across America ceremony held Dec. 13 at Jordan United Church of Christ, South Whitehall. Presenters include: The United States Army, Cindy Krause; The United States Marine Corps, Gunnery Sgt. Frank Cherry; United States Navy, Marine Corps Sgt. Michael Sutton; United States Air Force, Senior Master Sgt. Tyler Schlitter; United States Coast Guard, Sgt. Daniel Hill; Merchant Marines, Master Sgt. Lucille Gross; Descendant of Charles Radeline, Pat Piazza and United States Space Force, David Wieder.
South Whitehall’s Jim Haines, his daughter Michon Curry and granddaughter Charlotte Curry place a wreath on the grave of veteran Edgar Fink during the ceremony.
Jim Hanes and his family arrive to the ceremony in a 1943 General Purpose, i.e., “Jeep.” The family includes grandchildren Charlotte and Henry Curry, Jim Haines, his wife Louise and daughter Michon Curry.