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.
United States Congressman Ryan Mackenzie, 7th District, addressed the attendees and expressed his support for members of the military and their families.
Members of the Parkland High School band, under the direction of Allison Figueroa, performed during the Wreaths Across America ceremony held Dec. 13 at Jordan United Church of Christ, 1837 Church Road, South Whitehall.
Ty Kontir and John Harting read as a soldiers from “Christmas on the Rappahannock” during the Wreaths Across America Ceremony.
United States Congressman Ryan Mackenzie, 7th District, thanked members of the military who attended the Wreaths Across America ceremony at Jordan United Church of Christ.
Ben Hemmer, member of Boy Scout Troop 1600, gave the closing remarks at the Wreaths Across America ceremony.
Aneesh Kashalkar, with Boy Scout Troop 1600 performed “Taps” at the end of the Wreaths Across America ceremony.
Boy Scouts Chris Rarick and Harry Stout, Troop 1600, retired the colors at the Wreaths Across America ceremony.
Active duty, retired and veterans presented 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 included: 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.
PRESS PHOTOS BY LOU WHEELANDFamilies and friends of service members of the buried in Jordan’s cemetery move about to place wreaths on headstones during the Wreaths Across America ceremony.
South Whitehall’s Jim Haines, daughter Michon Curry and granddaughter Charlotte Curry places a wreath on the grave of veteran Edgar Fink during the Wreaths Across America ceremony.
Arriving in 1943 General Purpose, i.e. “Jeep,” at the Wreaths Across America ceremony held Dec. 13 at Jordan United Church of Christ was Jim Haines and family. Grandchildren Charlotte and Henry Curry, Jim Haines, wife Louise and daughter Michon Curry.
