The public is invited to attend Wreaths Across America on Saturday, December 14th at the Naval Asylum Plot on the Yeadon, Delaware County side of Mount Moriah Cemetery. This nationwide event commemorates deceased veterans by laying a wreath at the graves of those who have served. This is the fifth year The Friends of Mount Moriah have participated in this ceremony.

Several speakers are scheduled during the program including retired Captain Ralph W. Galati, United States Air Force. Captain Galati is the recipient of the Silver Star, Bronze Star, Air Medal, Purple Heart, and other military awards. Shot down over North Vietnam in February 1972, Captain Galati spent 14 months as a POW at the “Hanoi Hilton” until repatriated. Also scheduled to speak is Congresswoman Mary Gay Scanlon. Scanlon, an education and human rights advocate, represents Pennsylvania’s 5th Congressional District. Bagpipers from the Philadelphia Police & Fire Pipes and Drums will perform.

The wreaths will be placed at 10am and the ceremony starts promptly at noon, in conjunction with all WAA events across the country and will happen rain, snow, or shine. Volunteers from The Friends of Mount Moriah (PA0141P) will help direct traffic and parking.

The Naval Asylum Plot National Cemetery at Mount Moriah is currently the only “Naval Cemetery” overseen by the US Department of Veterans Affairs – National Cemetery Administration (VA-NCA). The 10-acre plot is the final resting place for over 2100 Navy and Marine veterans from the Revolutionary War through Vietnam.

One of Philadelphia’s oldest and most historic cemeteries, Mount Moriah Cemetery is a 200-acre site that is being restored by the Friends group. It is the final resting place of many people significant to the history and culture of Philadelphia, with many notable citizens from politics, entertainment, sports and business, as well as over 5,000 veterans from the Revolutionary War, Civil War, War of 1812, the Korean War, World Wars 1 and 2, and others.

All are encouraged to attend Wreaths Across America, held at the Yeadon side of the cemetery on Cobbs Creek Parkway. There is no exact street address but GPS coordinates are 39.93306, -75.23813. Updates for any severe weather postponement will be posted on Mount Moriah’s Facebook page