Wreaths were laid at approximately 400 graves at St. Joseph Cemetery on Saturday morning as part of the Wreaths Across America program.

In addition to the event in Warren, similar ceremonies and wreath layings were held in Tidioute and Sugar Grove as part of the national effort.

The Blue Star Mothers of Kinzua drove the effort in Warren.

“We are overwhelmed with all the faces that we see here today,” Blue Star Mother Pam Nordin said. “We’re all filled with emotion right now.”

Times Observer photos by Josh Cotton Many volunteers turned out Saturday to place wreaths throughout the cemetery.

The event started with a program in the mausoleum before the wreaths were laid.

Skyle Govier, Blue Star Mothers president, called it an “honor” to participate in “remembering we are one nation under one flag.”

“Today, we do not honor their deaths,” she said of the veterans buried at St. Joseph. “We honor their dash…. Their lives. (Their) sacrifice and service to the country.

“Today we say their names so their names are never forgotten,” Govier added. “Seeing younger generations here, today is a great day to teach.”

City of Warren Mayor David Wortman said that this is hopefully the first of many years for this program in Warren.

A wreath was laid at the grave of 2nd Lt. Paul D. Murphy, who is buried at St. Joseph Cemetery. Murphy served in the U.S. Army Air Corps and died at the age of 68 in 1985.

He acknowledged that there is “certainly a cost associated” with the program but “in typical Warren fashion” over 500 wreaths were sponsored.

“There is such a proud history of service in Warren County,” Wortman added, calling this a “beautiful and honorable way” to remember those who might not be remembered this holiday season.

Times Observer photo by Josh Cotton Randy Swanson lays a wreath in honor of Air Force veterans during Saturday’s Wreaths Across America event at St. Joseph Cemetery.