Wreaths to be placed on graves at Soldiers' National Cemetery in Gettysburg

Program started by parents of Gettysburg soldier killed in 2006

(Gettysburg, Pennsylvania) - 12/2/2008

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE …

CONTACT:

Stan Clark

Sgt. Mac Foundation

(717) 337-1728

On Friday, Dec. 5, volunteers will place 400 wreaths on veterans’ graves at the Soldiers’ National Cemetery in Gettysburg as part of a program started two years ago to honor a local soldier killed in 2006.

U.S. Marine Corps Sergeant Eric McColley, of Gettysburg, was killed along with seven other U.S. Marines and two airmen in a helicopter accident in the Horn of Africa on Feb. 17, 2006.

Last year, the Sgt. Mac Foundation – a charity organized on Eric’s behalf – placed 2,100 wreaths at Quantico National Cemetery in Virginia, where Eric is interred. The program was started by Eric’s parents, John and Susan McColley and the Sgt. Mac Foundation.

This year – with the financial assistance of local and other veterans organizations, private and business support – the program has been expanded to include the National Cemetery in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania.

Volunteers will meet Friday at the Giant Food Store along Route 30 in Gettysburg at 8 a.m. to tie bows on the wreaths. The wreaths will be placed on the graves at 1 p.m. at the Soldiers’ National Cemetery off Taneytown Road in Gettysburg. The public is encouraged to help and attend.

The following day, volunteers will head to Quantico National Cemetery and place wreaths there.

Program leaders are hoping to expand the project and are looking for financial and logistical support. With sufficient help, the foundation would like to place a wreath on every headstone in the National Cemetery.

To participate, call Stan Clark at (717) 337-1728 or by email at [email protected].