Throughout this winter, members of the community have pushed through poor weather in order to support a multitude of events that celebrate veterans. With the gracious support of multiple veteran support organizations, the events were able to memorialize many that have fallen and support those in active service currently.

The Blue Star Mothers Lake Erie NY 4 hosted an annual packaging event on Dec. 6. Leading up to this day, the organization had been collecting various donations from across the county. These donations include essential hygiene products, clothing, non-parishable food items, and more. According to President Susan Rowley, the purpose of the event is to ensure that the many overseas soldiers, who will be unable to spend the holiday season with family, will have care packages that they can open on the holiday. Rowley stated the organization was able to package a total of 1,138 care packs this year. Rowley was proud to have seen such a huge amount of community members come forward to help with the initiative, estimating that nearly 300 people showed up to help.

Rowley made note of the fact that the care packages were reportedly received by those overseas before the Chritsmas holiday. Rowley noted the packages put together in the county made it to locations such as South Korea, Poland, and Iraq.

Rowley gave thanks to the incredible help of Nick Bradish, owner of the Jamestown Rubber Stamp Company. Rowley noted that Bradish was crucial to aiding the organization in sending out the many packages that were created.

The Wreaths Across America event took place on Dec. 13, and is an annual event that takes place at Lakeview Cemetery in Jamestown. The event was organized by the Blue Star Mother, but Rolwey noted that there were numerous other organizers behind the event. The event sees various people come out to the Soldier’s Circle in the cemetery, and lay down wreaths on the grave as a way of remembering the soldiers that have passed.

Rowley stated the effort was able to arrange for 495 wreaths to be put throughout the circle this year. Rowley noted the numerous volunteers that also showed up early to help prepare by shoveling paths and clearing off graves.

The next event that the organization is planning will occur in May, and will be the annual Gold Star Memorial. Rowley noted that while weather in this area is fierce and makes winter events challenging, it is clear that there is a strong sediment of community support for the veterans.