Nearly 4,000 volunteers will help lay over 3,100 wreaths on veterans’ graves during Wreaths Across America at Sky-View Memorial Park on Saturday in Tamaqua.

“There is a palpable excitement in the community,” said Eric Zizelmann, one of the event coordinators. “So many people are excited about coming and taking part of this.”

Wreaths were sponsored by individuals and businesses from as far away as Missouri, and volunteers are set to come from as far as Virginia.

“I think I speak for the whole team, that we’re all very humbled by this experience - that it’s so meaningful to so many people, that they’re willing to come from such distances just to take part of this,” Zizelmann added.

The event will start at noon regardless of weather conditions.

The service will last about 20 minutes, while featuring The Rev. Fred T. Crawford III, local vocalist Emily Barrett and members of the Tamaqua, Summit Hill, Lansford and Quakake Legions. Ceremonial wreaths will be laid by Tonia Barron (Army), Curt Hafer (Air Force), Melody Deeble (Navy), Thomas Fenton (Marines), Richard Bennett (Coast Guard), Leonard Weston (Merchant Marines) and several Gold Star Families.

The primary benefactors are Paula and Vito Basile, of Basile’s Italian Delight Restaurant, and the Sky-View Memorial Park board of directors. Kistler Transportation and the Hometown Farmers Market made contributions of facilities and services for this event.

“We extend a sincere thank you for the generosity of our benefactors, donors, volunteers and wreath sponsors,” Zizelmann said. “I know I speak for Paul and Liz Corinchock, and my wife, Christine, in saying that the team is immensely proud to partner with all of you as we honor our American heroes.”

With a few exceptions, all parking for the event will be at the Hometown Farmers Market. Volunteers will be shuttled back and forth to the cemetery by school buses, and the buses will run continually in both directions from 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

Accessible parking will be available at Sky-View only for those with a placard or plate.

The resting places of veterans that are demarcated with a small, lime-green surveying flag are places of distinction. They are the resting places of the 89 war dead and are primarily located next to the trees that line the roads in Sky-View.

Family members along with the Girl and Boy Scouts will be given the honor of laying wreaths on these veterans’ resting places.

No wreaths will be distributed until after the ceremony has concluded.

Volunteers who need directions to a specific veteran’s place of rest can get assistance from one of the cemetery staff (wearing red WAA hats), or by calling the Sky-View office at 570-668-4100. The office will be open during the event.