On behalf of the WREATHS ACROSS AMERICA organization, The New Paltz Rural Cemetery, The Brannen van den Berg VFW Post 8645, The VFW Auxiliary to Post 8645 and our family of volunteers and supporters, we want to THANK YOU for your support of our Mission to REMEMBER the fallen, HONOR those that serve and their families, and TEACH the next generation the value of freedom.

On December 14, 2024, National Wreaths Across America Day, over 1075 wreaths were placed to Honor and Remember all Veterans laid to rest at the New Paltz Rural Cemetery on Plains Road in New Paltz.

With each of the sponsored Veterans’ wreaths placed an American hero’s name was spoken out loud so they would not be forgotten.

We extend our deepest gratitude for your unwavering support of our mission by sponsoring wreaths and volunteering to honor our Veterans.

This year with your support, along with the support of the following businesses, we were once again able to remember every Veteran laid to rest in the New Paltz Rural Cemetery.

Business Sponsors:

Rycor HVAC, Copeland-Hammerl Funeral Home, Kingston Lodge #10F & A M, Mootz Construction, New Paltz VFW Post 8645 and Auxiliary, St. Joseph’s Church, Dietz Tree Service, Tops Market, Ulster Savings Bank, The Devine Agency, Dedrick’s Pharmacy, Law Offices of Robert Rich, Jim DeMaio State Farm Ins, New Paltz Fire Dept., Gardiner Fire Dept., Wallkill View, Apple Green Golf, Stewart’s Shops, Williams Lumber, Lane Press of Albany, Handmade & More and William Redding DDS.

Thank you to the ceremony participants –Ron Simonson, New Paltz Rural Cemetery president, VFW Commander, Andrew Mironchik, Father Salvatore Cordaro, St. Joseph’s Church, Mark Cozzupoli, Veterans Service Agency Director, UC Executive, Jen Metzger, New Paltz Fire Department, Ulster County Combined Law Enforcement Honor Guard, NYC DEC Police Honor Guard, New Paltz Police Dept., SUNY New Paltz Police Dept.

The following young scouts honored the seven branches of the armed forces and POW/MIA by placing the ceremonial wreaths on the Veterans Memorial.

Heart of the Hudson Girl Scout Troops, #60135, 60142 & 60093, Victoria Bunora, Ivy Bunora, Savannah Brooks, Anna Malito & Erin O’Donnell.

Rip Van Winkle Council of Scouting Troop #172, Veronica O’Sullivan, Conrad Longazel, Ethan Greger, Logan Saylor, Nathan Pilek, John Reynolds and Sam Scarpati. Andrew Mironchik placed a wreath honoring Gold Star and Blue Star families.

Thank you to Ron Simonson, New Paltz Rural Cemetery President for his heart felt welcome. Ulster County Veterans Services Agency Director Mark Cozzupoli for emceeing the ceremony as well as our speaker, Ulster County Executive Jen Metzger, Father Salvatore Cordaro at St. Joseph’s Church for offering a prayer, and to Andrew Mironchik, Commander of the Brannen van den Berg VFW Post 8645.

As an added treat, Chris Nadareski, Liaison for Rip Van Winkle Scouts and DEP representative, released two rehabilitated Red Tail Hawks in honor of our Veterans.

Thank you to Chris Marx and the New Paltz Highway Dept. for all your help with clean up each year. Thank you to HV1 for your continued support of our mission,

And last but not least we want to acknowledge and give many thanks to John Liquori, Superintendent of the New Paltz Rural Cemetery along with employees Clifford Campbell and Glenn DeHardt. They go above and beyond in taking care of all the details leading up to, during and after Wreath Day!

Our mission continues as we look to 2025.

The Wreaths Across America Matching Campaign is happening now through Jan 17, 2024. WAA Head Quarters will match all wreaths sponsored through a registered WAA SPONSORSHIP GROUP for placement on this year’s National Wreaths Across America Day – Saturday, Dec. 13, 2025!

Our direct link: www.wreathsacrossamerica.org/NY0270.

Ron Mironchik, Kathy Mironchik, Cindy Dates, and Tara Dates

Wreaths Across America Location Coordinators