-- Contributed

The Fort Steuben Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution did not meet in regular session in December because of the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, but several members participated in the Wreaths Across America program taking place across America and locally on Dec. 19. Regent Vickie Joseph and Parliamentarian Nancy Valles represented the Fort Steuben DAR Chapter at the Paris Cemetery in Pennsylvania. Joseph led the Pledge of Allegiance, and Valles read the opening prayer before joining others in laying wreaths on the graves of soldiers. Patti D’Aurora, treasurer of Fort Steuben DAR, spoke about the honor of placing a wreath on the grave of the oldest veteran in Union Cemetery in Steubenville — Revolutionary War veteran John Gray. For the first time since Wreaths Across America began at Union Cemetery, a wreath was placed on the stone of John Gray (1721-1817), and his name was said aloud by D’Aurora. She also placed a wreath on the grave of Johannus Fischer, a Revolutionary War soldier who is an ancestor of Millicent Koos, an associate member of the chapter. Wendy Barr, left, a WAA location coordinator, joined D’Aurora, right, in remembering and honoring the service of veterans.