Highlanders Chapter of SAR observes Wreaths Across America at Ohio Veterans Home
Pictured, from left, are Jack Bredenfoerder, Gary Duffield, Ralph Shepherd, Tim Madden and Gerold Wilkin. For more photos, see the gallery below. (Submitted photos)
The Highlanders Chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution celebrated Wreaths Across America (WAA) at the Ohio Veterans Home (OVH) Friday, Dec. 15 at 10 a.m.
The OVH requested that we hold the WAA ceremony on Friday instead of Saturday due to staffing issues and patient stability. This is the 11th year a SAR chapter has sponsored this event and the sixth year the Highlanders Chapter has sponsored the event.
The Ohio Veterans Home, located in Georgetown, is a 168-bed facility that cares for veterans in need of intermediate-level health care, and memory care for veterans with Alzheimer’s and other types of dementia. Both men and women veterans are housed at OVH. The home is run by the state of Ohio and is not a part of Veterans Administration systems.
Ohio Veterans Home has had another rough year with COVID-19. Only 88 patients are being treated at OVH. Veterans being accepted into the facility are from WWII, Korea, Vietnam and Desert Storm; sadly, Gulf War and Afghanistan veterans are not accepted because of Ohio regulations. The Highlanders Chapter is trying to get this situation reversed at the Ohio Statehouse.
This year, the Highlanders Chapter was granted permission to present the WAA ceremony in the OVH Great Hall meeting room. Our celebration was hosted by Gary Duffield, President of the Highlanders SAR chapter, and emceed by Sarah Flint, Ohio Veterans Home Administration Assistant.
President Duffield gave the WAA opening remarks and dedication speech. A moment of silence was observed for all veterans living or who have passed away.
OVH resident and Korean War Veteran Ralph Shepherd was escorted by Compatriots Gerold Wilkin from the Highlanders Chapter and Jack Bredenfoerder and Tim Madden of the Cincinnati SAR chapter to dedicate the Ceremonial WAA wreath to the Home. Shepherd introduced a fellow Korean Veteran Fred Moore. Fred Moore is pictured as one of the soldiers on the Korean War memorial in Washington DC.
Past OHSSAR Ohio Society president, Jack Bredenfoerder, read a proclamation from NSSAR President General, John L. Dodd.
Wilkin closed the ceremony with a prayer.
After the ceremony, Highlanders Chapter 1st Vice President Wilkin presented Ohio Veterans Home Administration Nerleen Augustin with a WAA Certificate of Appreciation and the NSSAR Proclamation.
After the WAA ceremony inside OHV, the ceremonial wreath was taken to the entrance to OVH for everyone to enjoy.
After the WAA ceremony inside OHV, we went outside to the OVH to their Veterans Memorial Walking Path, where members of the Fletcher family helped with the laying of the wreaths and flags. We laid WAA wreaths and replaced and adjusted American flags on the 52 granite markers. Each marker contains the names of patients who have passed away at OVH since 2003.
After the “Veterans Memorial Walking Path” wreath laying, we proceeded to the Ulysses Grant statue at OVH, where Compatriot Madden placed a wreath from the Brown County Taliaferro DAR Chapter. Madden is a descendant of President Grant. They share the same great-grandfather, Samuel Grant Sr., (1631-1718), who are descendants of Matthew Grant (1601-1681), who came to Massachusetts in 1632.
We are so fortunate to be able to honor these veterans who defended our freedoms. For us, our small contribution pales in comparison to the sacrifices the men and women of our Armed Forces have made.
The following OVH and SAR members attended the ceremony:
• Nerleen Augustin, Ohio Veterans Home Administration;
• Sarah Flint, Ohio Veterans Home Administration Assistant;
• Jack Bredenfoerder, Cincinnati Chapter SAR, Highlanders Treasurer;
• Gary Duffield, Highlanders Chapter SAR President;
• Tim Madden, Cincinnati Chapter SAR – Webmaster;
• Gerold Wilkin, Highlander Chapter SAR 1st Vice President; and
• Approximately 25 OVA patients and staff assistants.
Thanks to the Ohio Veterans Home for allowing us to participate.
On Saturday, Dec. 17, Gerold Wilkin organized and presented the Wreaths Across America (WAA) ceremony at the Highland County Veterans Memorial at the Highland County Courthouse.
Tim Madden and other members of the Cincinnati SAR chapter laid Wreaths Across America (WAA) wreaths at the Spring Grove Cemetery.
