Hundreds turned out to Saturday afternoon to honor the veterans laid to rest at Sky-View Memorial Park in Hometown.

Through Wreaths Across America, volunteers placed wreaths on the final resting site of those who served the country.

“We here, all of us, stand here today not as Republicans and Democrats, not as people of different races, not as civilians and veterans, but simply as Americans bound in our love for our country and gratitude for our soldiers,” said Eric Zizelmann, one of the organizers, who led the ceremony.

He asked for a moment of silence for fallen soldiers, prisoners of war, and those who served or continue to serve.

He then directed folks’ attention to the American flag as Rebecca Hinkle, of Weatherly, sang the national anthem. As she sang, the flag fluttered in a light breeze underneath sunny skies - and unseasonably warm December temperatures.

Zizelmann noted that the Rush Township site was one of 3,418 sites participating in the annual event Saturday.

“The freedoms we have today did not come without a price. Lying here before us and in cemeteries across the nation are men and women who worked, fought and even died to preserve that freedom,” he said.

As of Saturday, 3,678 service personnel were laid to rest at Sky-View. Of those, 94 lost their lives to war.

“We are not here today to decorate graves, nor are we here to remember their deaths. We are instead here today to remember their lives and give thanks that such people worked to preserve our freedom,” Zizelmann said.

He asked volunteers placing wreaths to read the veterans’ names and spend a moment to offer a prayer or other remembrance.

The wreaths are sponsored by community donors.

The Rev. Glenn Limbaugh of Drums, gave the invocation.

“Lord, thank you for Wreaths Across America and for each of you here today for your contributions. May God always bless us and keep us the Land of the Free and the Home of the Brave,” he prayed.

Another organizer, Paul Corinchak, asked representatives to come forward to place a single ceremonial wreath on the logo for each of the military’s branches. Gold Star. Prisoners of War and Gold Star families - those who lost a loved one to war - were also representatives.

The Tamaqua Area Jazz Chorale under the direction of John Buglio sang patriotic songs, and an American Legion honor guard provided honors.