The Orange County Veterans Cemetery (OCVC) is seeking donations for its substitute Wreaths Across America (WAA) celebration for 2020.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, OCVC has canceled the WAA ceremonial event and as such will not be seeking volunteers for the laying of wreaths on December 19.

Health, safety and current economic struggles all played part in this years’ cancellation. The OCVC will be creating a substitute display that will be completed by cemetery staff prior to December 19 for all to enjoy during their visits and to continue the Wreaths Across America tradition of “Remember-Honor-Teach.”

This display will consist of a limited amount of wreaths placed throughout the cemetery grounds along with six beautiful holiday trees placed at entrance monument where friends and families of our Veterans will be invited to place a picture of their loved one(s) on the trees in a supplied wreath ornament. These photo ornaments will be made available for free as the date becomes closer. Donations will be utilized to offset the costs of this substitute WAA display.

“Wreaths Across America will be different this year, but I think it is important for our community to remain safe and healthy while continuing the tradition of honoring our Veterans on this special day”. Orange County Executive Steven M. Neuhaus said. “Although the official ceremony and event has been canceled, this display will give people the opportunity to honor our Veterans privately each time they visit.”

Orange County Veterans Cemetery WILL NOT be selling wreaths for 2020. Any wreaths purchased through the WAA website will be carried over to our 2021 Event. Donations being sought will be used for the substitute display. If donation amounts should exceed the costs of the display, they will be used to purchase wreaths for 2021.

Wreaths or grave blankets may be purchased privately and placed at the cemetery in accordance with their floral regulations.

Although there will be no event or ceremony on December 19, the Veterans Memorial Cemetery will be open to the public to drive through or visit while remembering to exercise safety and social distancing guidelines.

Donations for this 2020 substitute display may be made in any amount. Checks can be made out to “Nam Knights M/C” with WAA written on the memo line. They may be mailed to or dropped of OCVC, located at 111 Craigville Road in Goshen.

For further information about this years’ substitute display, you may visit “Wreathsacrossamerica.org” using cemetery code NYOCVM in the dropdown search or by contacting Cemetery Superintendent Dave Andryshak at 845-494-3768.