In a heartfelt tribute to the nation’s veterans, the Churchville community gathered on December 14 for the Wreaths Across America ceremony. This annual event, now in its fifth year in Churchville, honors the sacrifices of veterans buried in Creekside, St. Vincent, and Riga cemeteries. Organized under the leadership of Girl Scout leader Erin Maysick and the Harvey C. Noone American Legion Post 954, the ceremony is part of a nationwide effort to remember and honor those who served in the armed forces.
Churchville’s ceremonies mirrored the solemnity and tradition of the renowned event held at Arlington National Cemetery in Washington, D.C. The Riga Cemetery ceremony commenced at 11 a.m., followed by ceremonies at Creekside and St. Vincent cemeteries at noon. Despite the chilly December weather, bright sunshine and a calm day provided a sense of warmth and comfort to those in attendance.
Colonel (Retired) Kenneth Juergens, Commander of the Churchville American Legion Post, served as the Master of Ceremonies. In his opening remarks, he emphasized the importance of remembering veterans not for their deaths but for their lives and sacrifices. “Each wreath is a gift of appreciation from a grateful America,” Juergens said. “We are here to remember their lives and the freedoms they defended for us all.”
The ceremonies featured active-duty military personnel representing all branches of the armed forces, except the Coast Guard, whose Rochester Station was on call. These service members laid wreaths at the Civil War Monument in Creekside Cemetery, escorted by local Girl Scouts. Churchville High School students provided a poignant musical tribute by playing “Taps,” adding to the solemn atmosphere of the event.
In a warm and welcoming gesture, the Monroe County Park Lodge was open throughout the ceremonies, offering hot drinks, cookies, and snacks for attendees.
The event’s popularity and community support reflect Churchville’s leadership in Monroe County, being the first local organization to host Wreaths Across America ceremonies. This initiative has since inspired other communities, including Webster, to follow suit.
Participants were encouraged to say the names of the veterans aloud as they placed wreaths on graves, a small but powerful act to honor and remember their service. “These live balsam fir wreaths symbolize our honor to those who have served and their families who endure sacrifices every day on our behalf,” Juergens remarked.
The Churchville community’s dedication to this meaningful tradition underscores a collective commitment to preserving the memory of those who served. As the ceremony concluded, attendees were reminded of the cost of freedom and the responsibility to ensure it is never taken for granted. The day’s events left an indelible mark on all who participated, reinforcing the message: Remember. Honor. Teach.
Special acknowledgments
The following organizations provided invaluable support of the event:
•Harvey C. Noone American Legion Post (Ken Juergens, Geoff Larson, Wayne McConnell) and Auxiliary Post #954 (Tish Juergens, Mary Martin)
•Girl Scout Troop 60487 – A special thank you to Erin Maysick, who started this program for the first time in Monroe County and is the catalyst for honoring our fallen veterans.
•Village of Churchville DPW (Mike Robinson, John Door, Zack Kuter)
•Monroe County Parks Department
•Steve Brew – Monroe County Legislator, Minority Leader
•Monroe County Sheriff’s Department
•Churchville-Chili High School Band (Buglers: Adam Sargent and Karalyn Allen – Teacher: Allison Chipman)
•Churchville-Chili Leo Club Members
•The active-duty members who participated in the event.
Generous Supporters
The generous monetary contributions of the following organizations enabled Churchville to achieve 100% wreath coverage for their fifth annual event: Waste Management; Riga Republicans (Chris Lockwood); Regional Council of Carpenters; Westside Credit Union; Churchville Lions Club; Jim’s Service; Jerry’s Auto; Monroe County Sheriff Benevolent Association; College Bound Sealers; BLP Sealcoat; Struck Floors & Remodeling; RPD Locust Club; Lunt Chiropractic; and Nick Stefanovic, who arranged for a significant donation through the Monroe County Office of Veteran Affairs.
Churchville’s commitment to Wreaths Across America continues to inspire, ensuring that veterans’ sacrifices are never forgotten, and their memories are kept alive for generations to come.
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