Tredyffrin, Pennsylvania, December 22, 2020 – The Ardmore-based Jeptha Abbott Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) hosted its first ‘Wreaths Across America’ at the Old Eagle School Graveyard in Tredyffrin, PA. “It was an honor and a privilege to work with Wreaths Across America and the Old Eagle School Board of Trustees to host our first Wreaths Across America at the Old Eagle School Graveyard, Tredyffrin, Chester County” said Jeptha Abbott DAR Chaplain Teri Fischer said. “We are excited that with so much sorrow in the world with the impact of COVID 19, Jeptha Abbott and the Old Eagle School Board of Trustees could come together and start something positive—our very first Wreaths Across America at the Old Eagle School Graveyard!”

Those placing wreaths in honor of the various branches of service were as follows. Representing the Army was Lieutenant Colonel Mark O’Neill who served in Special Forces. Both of Mark’s sons Mark, Jr. and Matthew are also Army and currently serving. Plus, both of his daughters-in-law Laura and Amy are veterans. Representing the Marines was Old Eagle School Board of Trustees member Todd White. Representing the Navy was Lieutenant Thomas C Deas, Jr., United States Navy, Surface Warfare Officer (Retired). Representing the Air Force was Duane Parker, Jr. in honor of his father Duane Parker, Sr. who served as a navigator in the Army Air Corp (which became part of the Air Force) in WWII and was shot down and killed over the English Channel before Duane was born. Representing the Coast Guard was Old Eagle School Board of Trustees past President Jeff Sloan. Representing the Merchant Marines was Old Eagle School Board of  Trustees member Dave Cook with Marianne Cook. Representing the POW was Jeptha Abbott DAR Regent Anne Peckham.

“Because of COVID-19 and the state restrictions, the first ceremony was different from the ones we will be planning for the future in which we will have a public ceremony with as many people attending as desired. But this year’s ceremony was still extremely moving and impactful,” explained Jeptha Abbott Regent Anne Peckham. “Ceremonial wreaths for the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Merchant Marines, Coast Guard, & POWs were placed first. Then those who had purchased wreaths through Wreaths of America arrived shortly thereafter, placed their wreaths on a servicemember’s grave, and said a silent prayer for that member and his family.”

The organization Wreaths Across America coordinates wreath-laying ceremonies at more than 2,100 locations across the United States, at sea, and abroad each December on National Wreaths Across America Day. Wreaths Across America’s mission is to Remember, Honor, and Teach. Honor the Fallen. Honor those who serve and their families. Teach future generations the value of freedom.

About Jeptha Abbott DAR Chapter:
Named after Jeptha Abbott, a Revolutionary War soldier, the DAR chapter was founded on November 18, 1929, by Elizabeth Abigail Ransley. Now, more than 200 Jeptha Abbott members continue the tradition of helping to educate children, preserve the nation’s history and champion patriotism. The Jeptha Abbott chapter has supported national and local charities including the donation of two stained glass windows to the National Patriots Bell Tower, Washington Memorial Chapel in Valley Forge National Historical Park, Valley Forge, Pennsylvania. The Bell Tower, housing one of the largest and finest carillons in the world, was built with funds from the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution. To learn more about the Jeptha Abbott chapter and how to join, visit  https://jepthaabbott.wixsite.com/website.

About the National DAR:

The National Society Daughters of the American Revolution was founded in 1890 to promote historic preservation, education and patriotism. Its members are descended from the patriots who won American independence during the Revolutionary War. With more than 177,000 members in approximately 3,000 chapters worldwide, DAR is one of the world’s largest and most active service organizations. DAR members are committed to volunteer service having served more than 12.5 million hours in communities throughout the world during the past three years. To learn more
about the work of today’s DAR, visit www.DAR.org or connect with DAR on social media at facebook.com/TodaysDAR, twitter.com/TodaysDAR and youtube.com/TodaysDAR.