Every veteran deserves to be remembered, and local volunteers are asking the community to help ensure that the 3,800 veterans laid to rest at Sky-View Memorial Park in Hometown receive the recognition they deserve this December.

As Sky-View prepares to participate in National Wreaths Across America Day on Dec. 19, organizers are working toward the goal of placing a wreath at the grave of every veteran at the cemetery.

As of Oct. 31, only 789 wreaths have been sponsored, representing approximately 22% of the 3,800-wreath goal. That leaves 2,826 veterans’ wreaths still needed, with a sponsorship deadline of Dec. 2.

Now in its seventh year of participation, Sky-View is one of more than 4,900 locations nationwide in Wreaths Across America’s mission to remember the fallen, honor those who served and teach the next generation the value of freedom.

Tammy Fatzinger, one of nine volunteer Wreaths Across America location coordinators at Sky-View, emphasized the importance of the community’s continued support.

“We owe a debt to our country’s heroes that we can never fully repay, but we can honor their sacrifice — and we must,” Fatzinger said. “Each December, we see families, Scouts, church groups and neighbors come together to lay wreaths and remember those who served. It’s humbling, heartwarming and a reminder of what this season is truly about.”

Fatzinger said the goal is simple.

“We do not want a single veteran to be forgotten,” she said. “With 3,800 veterans resting at Sky-View, we need the support of our entire community to make that happen. Every wreath sponsored represents a veteran whose service and sacrifice will be remembered.”

Individuals, families, businesses, civic organizations, churches and community groups are encouraged to sponsor veterans’ wreaths and participate in this year’s remembrance ceremony.

The deadline to sponsor wreaths is Dec. 2. Wreaths may be sponsored online at www.wreathsacrossamerica.org/PA0524.

Those wishing to sponsor wreaths by check or money order should make their payment payable to “Wreaths Across America” and mail it to 500 E. Broad St., Tamaqua, PA 18252.

The public is invited to participate in the annual wreath-laying ceremony that begins at noon on Dec. 19. Additional parking is at the Hometown Farmers Market, and shuttles will begin transporting volunteers from the parking area at 10 a.m. Volunteers of all ages are encouraged to attend and help place wreaths at veterans’ graves. The ceremony will feature the St. Luke’s Nurse Honor Guard.