The National Wreaths Across America Day observance at Clarion Cemetery on Saturday honored local veterans with a focus on remembrance and gratitude, as organizer Noreen Shirey urged attendees to say veterans’ names aloud and reflect on their sacrifices. Pastor Jeff Foor described the event as “Americana,” while Shirey emphasized that the ceremony was about remembering lives, not decorating graves, noting that 102 Civil War veterans are buried in the cemetery. Shirey also announced the seventh annual observance would be her last as organizer, expressing pride in the program’s growth across more than 60 county cemeteries. The ceremony included musical tributes by Bella Eggleton and Nathaniel McDonald.
To read this complete article, visit it on our website or pick up a copy of The Derrick or The News-Herald for December 15, 2025.
