Wreaths Across America 2019

On Saturday, Dec 14, the Old Newton Burial Ground was one of 1,600 sites worldwide to place wreaths on the graves of American veterans as part of Wreaths Across America. This is the second year that the cemetery has been a site for the ceremony, sponsored by the Sussex County Historical Society, and members of local civic and service groups came together to honor the 42 veterans laid to rest there. Over five dozen members of the public also braved the damp, chilly weather to attend the event.

Rep. Joshua Gottheimer (D-NJ5), who has been instrumental in helping the Historical Society attain new markers for some of the graves, visited the ceremony in person to lay a wreath and deliver remarks. He said he was proud and humbled to be able to spend time in the presence of the veterans in attendance and offered his thanks to those who were willing to put their lives on the line for our country. He also vowed his continued commitment to being a proponent for legislation to support and aid veterans and servicemembers.

“Country comes first,” Gottheimer said, “Before party, before anything else. Events like this remind us of that, and there’s nothing more important than standing up for our veterans. Especially now, at the holiday, season, we need to be thankful for their service. If we stand together, I know the best days are ahead for all of us.”

Gottheimer placed a wreath on the grave of Revolutionary War veteran Matthew Davis; Davis is one of the men interred at the cemetery who received a grave marker through the congressman’s efforts.

“No veteran should ever be forgotten,” Gottheimer said. “Not even 239 years later.”

Wreaths Across America is an international movement that galvanized in 2005 after a small wreath company began donating wreaths to Arlington National Cemetery during the 1990s. The principles of the organization are “Remember. Honor. Teach.” Their mission is to ensure that all veterans are honored at the holidays, that their service and sacrifice are not forgotten, and that each generation knows of the sacrifices of the generations before. For more information on Wreaths Across America, visit www.wreathsacrossamerica.org.