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Generations join in the Wreaths Across America ceremony
By Bob Jackson
POLAND
Michelle Bova grew up attending Poland Presbyterian Church, walking past the nearby Poland Village Cemetery countless times over the years, but only recently learned that one of her ancestors is buried there.
James Stephenson, Bova’s fifth-generation grandfather, was laid to rest in an unmarked grave. Stephenson, who came to the United States from Northern Ireland, fought for his new country in the War of 1812.
That’s why Bova, 56, and her mother, Irene Weaver, 86, were at the cemetery Saturday morning to participate in the Wreaths Across America ceremony. The historical cemetery holds the remains of 13 veterans of the Revolutionary War, 13 from the War of 1812 and 10 from the Civil War.
Pine wreaths were laid on the graves of each of those veterans during the ceremony. A similar ceremony took place later that day at a graveyard in Ellsworth.
Bova said a relative from Pennsylvania was doing genealogy research and learned about Stephenson’s military service and discovered where he was buried.
“He asked me whether I knew anything about Poland Presbyterian Church and I just kind of laughed,” Bova said. “I told him I’ve worshipped here since 1966, so yeah, I’m familiar with it.”
When she was told that her ancestor is buried there, she was floored.
“We never knew,” she said, noting that researchers are trying to determine exactly where Stephenson is buried so a marker can be placed on his grave.
“We have a long line of Army veterans in our family, so we have a great respect for military service,” Bova said.
Weaver added, “I had an uncle who was a pilot in World War I.”
Ed Virostek of Poland is an Air Force veteran, having served a 20-year stint that began in 1963. As an engine mechanic, he was never in combat and didn’t know many colleagues who died during conflict, but still, he wants to honor those who made the supreme sacrifice.
“I have fond memories of being in the Air Force,” the soft-spoken, 74-year-old Virostek said, walking slowly through the graveyard with the assistance of a cane. “It’s important to do these things and remember the people who fought and died. That’s why I thought I should come out.”
Besides decorating the graves of veterans, the ceremony included placement of a wreath in honor of each branch of the military, and one for prisoners of war and those missing in action.
“To our children, we want you to remember that the freedoms you enjoy today came at a price,” said Hugh Earnhart, who served as master of ceremonies. “Some day, you may also be called upon to do the same.”
Earnhart, a retired history professor from Youngstown State University, said the Ohio State University Extension Agency works closely with Wreaths Across America, a nonprofit organization, to promote the program locally. They try to choose different cemeteries around Mahoning County.
“Veterans are very special people,” he said.
Wreaths Across America placed wreaths at the headstones of fallen veterans at nearly 1,000 locations across the country and overseas Saturday.