Holley Rotary adds Hillside Cemetery for Wreaths Across America

Goal in first year is 100 wreaths to be placed on veterans’ graves Dec. 16

File photo by Tom Rivers: People visit the chapel at Hillside Cemetery in Holley/Clarendon. The cemetery is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

HOLLEY – The Holley Rotary Club is leading an effort to have wreaths placed on veterans’ graves for the Wreaths Across America celebration and observance on Dec. 16.

Lyndonville and Medina have been a part of Wreaths Across America in recent years. Now Holley is joining the effort that is in nearly 4,000 communities around the country.

Laura Bentley, a member of the Holley Rotary Club, was part of the effort in Medina last year, serving as a volunteer and helping to place wreaths on veterans’ graves. She was impressed and moved to see such a cross section of Medina volunteer to place the wreaths.

“The number that showed up for the community, from Boy Scouts to elderly veterans, it was very diverse group in size,” Bentley said today.

The Holley Rotary Club agreed to lead the effort at Hillside Cemetery where there are about 600 veterans’ graves. Holley Rotary is seeking to raise funds to do 100 wreaths in the first year. The wreaths are $17 each. Holley Rotary will be purchasing some of the wreaths and seek donations as well, Bentley said.

Those interested in volunteering for Wreaths Across America or sponsoring a wreath to support Holley Rotary are invited to visit www.wreathsacrossamerica.org/NY0482 to learn more.

National Wreaths Across America Day will be held on Saturday, Dec. 16.