Legion Post 541 will hold annual Wreaths Across America Saturday
By Steve Herring
Published in News on December 12, 2014 1:46 PM
PIKEVILLE -- American Legion Post 541 will hold its annual Wreaths Across America ceremony Saturday at noon in the Pikeville Cemetery on Mount Carmel Church Road.
Wreaths Across America is a nonprofit organization that seeks to place a wreath on the grave of every service man or woman during the Christmas holidays.
It is the second year that the post has participated in the program.
Post 541 Commander James Carter said 125 wreaths had been purchased by different people for the ceremony. Some additional ones will be placed on graves at Aycock Cemetery in Fremont and at a cemetery in Wilson County.
The Wayne County Sheriff's Office Color Guard will participate and members of the Snow Hill American Legion Post 536 Ladies Auxiliary will present a program of patriotic and Christmas music. Retired Lt. Col. Norman Talfinger will play the bagpipes.
Members of the Charles B. Aycock High School Honor Guard will place the seven ceremonial wreaths representing the different branches of military service. Pikeville Mayor Glenn Hartman will be the speaker. Wayne County Commissioners Wayne Aycock, Bill Pate and Ray Mayo are expected to attend as well, Carter said. Prior to the ceremony the American Red Cross will serve hot chocolate and coffee, he said.
The public is invited, Carter said.