Across the nation on Saturday, volunteers visited cemeteries and placed wreaths on the gravesites of military veterans in what was billed as Wreaths Across America.

Locally, the event happened at Sky-View Memorial Park cemetery in Hometown where 3,126 wreaths were placed atop the flat headstones of people who had served their country.

Shannon Shobe of Tamaqua, whose grandfather fought in World War II and whose father is a Marine, said the damp weather wasn’t even considered for her participation. “The weather never stopped a battle,” she said. “It didn’t stop our military. Don’t let the weather stop you from honoring them.”

A highlight of the program was the placement of wreaths on a wooden panel that contained the emblems of every military branch.

Taking part in this event were Tonia Barron of Tamaqua, Army; Melody Deeble, Navy; Col. Curt Hafer of Hometown, Air Force; Thomas Fenton of Lehighton, Marines; and Richard Bennett of Tamaqua, Coast Guard.

Gold Star parents present were Joe Bnosky of Hometown, whose son, Army Capt. Jeff Bnosky, who was killed in Saudi Arabia on Jan. 13, 1991, and Mike and Sarah Wargo of Lehighton, whose son Army Spc. Michael Christopher Wargo died from suicide.

Groups from throughout the region taking part in the wreath-laying included a Scout unit from Pine Grove.

At the entrance to Sky-View Memorial Park, two aerial ladder trucks from the Tamaqua and Lansford fire departments formed an arch on which hung an American flag.

A color guard consisting of veterans’ groups from throughout the region participated, and it included a rifle squad.

Eric Zizelmann, one of the event coordinators, served as the master of ceremonies.

Emily Barrett, a DeSales University student from Tamaqua, sang “The Star-Spangled Banner.”

Paul Corinchock, representing Sky-View Memorial Park, said there are 3,556 veterans interred here. There are also sites of 89 military members who are missing or killed in action.

Corinchock reminded those placing wreaths to stop after laying the greenery with red ribbon on the grave to “say the veteran’s name aloud and give thanks.”

Wreaths Across America was held throughout the nation including at national cemeteries.

Maureen Donovan, who participated with the Tamaqua Business and Professional Women’s Club, said, “To think we are doing something that is going on around the whole country! Patriotism around the whole country.”