Wreaths Across America Observed in Beallsville

Photo by Robert A. DeFrank David Wiles of the Beallsville American Legion speaks about the meaning of the nationwide wreath-laying ceremony, Wreaths Across America. The chill and freezing rain did not dissuade a strong turnout of supporters Saturday, who laid wreaths at the graves of fallen servicemen and women at Beallsville Cemetery.
BEALLSVILLE — The chilly weather and freezing rain on Saturday did not prevent the village’s veterans and patriots from turning out in force to support Wreaths Across America.
Each December, the organization coordinates a nationwide program of laying wreaths on the graves of fallen servicemen and women. Beallsville Cemetery was a link in this chain of more than 1,600 locations across the United States this year.
David Wiles, a member of Beallsville American Legion Post 768, helped organize the event and welcomed participants. He said he was proud to see so many people in the crowd.
“The first (participants) got here about 7:30 a.m and 8 a.m. With the rain, I didn’t think we (were) going to have hardly any turnout at all, but it started raining even harder and the people started coming. I think I got a better turnout than what I expected,” he said prior to the ceremony. “I think we’ve got close to 75 people, maybe 80.”
He pointed out members of the Powhatan Point American Legion, Honor Guard and VFW, as well as representatives from Woodsfield’s American Legion along with Beallsville’s own American Legion post all took part. Wiles said six Beallsville residents died in the Vietnam War, and some of their family members were expected to attend.
“We have a decent amount of our members who traveled from Wheeling, Moundsville and everywhere to come here and support the American Legion and Beallsville,” Tiffany Stephens of Team Red White And Blue out of Wheeling said. “We’re a veteran-based organization, and we’re here to do everything we can to help make Wreaths Across America successful.”
She commended the Beallsville Legion for its efforts.
During the ceremony, Wiles said this day was a time of unity in support of those who served and gratitude for freedoms won.
“We are one nation and one flag,” he said. “Many walks of life. The freedoms we enjoy today have not come without a price. Lying here before us and in cemeteries throughout the nation are men and women who gave their lives so that we could live in freedom and without fear. … The United States of America was founded on the ideals of freedom, justice and equality.”
He pledged to remember the reason for this event and to support past and current veterans.
“Many of you here today have answered that call well. We’re here today to say thank you. We are honored to know you,” he said before asking those present to take a moment and thank a veteran when they meet one.
“I’m overwhelmed by the outpouring that this group has been able to get in Sunsbury Township,” Monroe County Commissioner Mick Schumacher said, noting that social media was alive with videos from across the country of wreath-layings, including at Arlington Cemetery. “To know that our community here is also participating in a national event like this is truly remarkable. … I want to thank everybody for turning out in a difficult climate.”
“I certainly thank you for what you’re doing,” Monroe County Commissioner Carl Davis said.
More than $6,000 was donated for the ceremony. The Beallsville American Legion is committed to participating in Wreaths Across America next year.
Afterward, participants took wreaths representing all branches of military service as well as prisoners of war and those missing-in-action and laid them on graves. There are 321 military personnel buried in the cemeteries of Sunsbury Township, from conflicts as old as the Revolutionary War. Wiles said a total of 414 wreaths will be placed throughout the area.
“I think (participation) was great for this time of year,” Harold Mobley, a Vietnam veteran and Beallsville resident, said. “It’s really something more people ought to be involved in. My wife’s first cousin was killed right after I got out of the service. I got out the first of June 1966, and (Jack Pittman of Beallsville) was killed July 25. He’s one of the six that was killed.”
“All these boys here in Beallsville,” Steven Seebach, a veteran from Beallsville, said, adding there are many local initiatives to honor and support veterans. “My dad was a veteran, he landed in Normandy. I joined the service right when the Vietnam war ended. … We decided to start funds to help veterans out. It means a lot to me.”