Community Comes Together to Honor Veterans
On December 13, 2025, the Churchville–Riga community came together in a powerful display of remembrance and gratitude during this year’s Wreaths Across America ceremony, held at all three Churchville–Riga cemeteries. It was a cold, blustery morning, with snow gently falling throughout the ceremony, but the weather only added to the beauty and solemnity of the occasion, creating a fitting and reflective backdrop for the community to honor its fallen service members.
The ceremony was made possible through the collective efforts of many dedicated organizations, volunteers, and community partners. Harvey C. Noone American Legion Post 954 hosted and led the event, Colonel (Retired) Ken Juergens served as the master of ceremonies, and John Zampatori (SAL) led the Honor Guard, complete with a rifle squad firing a three-volley salute to honor our fallen. Girl Scout Troop 60487 helps organize the event, led by Erin Maysick, whose continued involvement plays a vital role in teaching the next generation the importance of honoring our nation’s veterans.
The Village of Churchville Department of Public Works provided support before and during the ceremony; Mike Robinson, John Door, Zack Kuter, Rick Hubbard, and Mark Leibeck ensured the Creekside and St. Vincent cemeteries were prepared and accessible for the ceremony. The Riga Cemetery crew did the same for their ceremony. Organizers are also grateful to the Monroe County Parks Department for its assistance and to Steve Brew, Monroe County Legislator and Minority Leader, for his continued support of veterans’ causes.
Law enforcement support from the Monroe County Sheriff’s Department helped ensure a safe and respectful event. The Churchville High School Band, under the direction of Allison Chipman, with student musicians Landon Ayers and Gunnar Kindred, provided moving musical support that added dignity and reflection to the ceremony.
The participation of active-duty service members, including SSG Parenzan (U.S. Army), Petty Officer Joshua Ibeh (U.S. Navy), Tech Sgt Mark Tully (U.S. Air Force), SSGT Dylan Wisuri (U.S. Air Force), and BM3 Johnathan Urbina (U.S. Coast Guard), served as a powerful reminder that the legacy of service continues today.
The American Legion extends its thanks to the generous donors whose contributions will help cover the cost of next year’s ceremony, ensuring this important tradition continues. These include the Riga Republicans, BLP Sealcoat, Westside Federal Credit Union, Struck Floors and Remodeling, Carpenters Local 276, and Nick Stefanovic from the Monroe County Office of Veterans Affairs.
Both WHEC News10NBC and 13 WHAM provided on-scene coverage with their reporting helping to spread the mission of Wreaths Across America to a wider audience: Remember the Fallen, Honor Those Who Serve, and Teach the Next Generation.
Above all, thank you to every community member who came out despite the weather to lay a wreath at the grave of a fallen veteran. Each wreath placed was a quiet promise that these heroes are not forgotten, and that their service and sacrifice will continue to be honored by a grateful nation.
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