Monday, January 20, 2025
The Wantagh Lions Club participated in the annual Wreaths Across America event at Pinelawn National Cemetery in Farmingdale on Dec. 14, joining hundreds of volunteers to honor fallen veterans during the holiday season.
Lions President Jose Obregon and Vice President Larry Lamendola were among the participants, along with Lions members Eileen Lamendola, Anthony Cortese, and Chris Quinn. The event began with a ceremony and brought together community groups, schools, Junior ROTC members, veterans organizations, motorcycle clubs, and other volunteers to lay wreaths on graves.
“This is something we’re not going to stop doing. We will continue to do this,” Obregon said, emphasizing the Lions Club’s dedication to supporting veterans and their families.
The wreath-laying tradition was introduced to the Lions by Chris Quinn, who has participated in the event for years and encouraged his fellow members to join. The Lions have a strong history of supporting veterans through various initiatives, Obregon said, including collaborating with the Wantagh American Legion on Veterans Day ceremonies.
“We definitely do everything we can for our veterans and anything we can do for our community, and this is part of it,” Obregon said.
Lamendola has a personal connection to Pinelawn. Every year, he lays a wreath at the grave of his uncle, Peter Lamendola, a World War II sergeant who died in Germany just weeks before the war in Europe ended.
“I don’t know a lot about him, but I come to visit him every year,” Lamendola said.
Obregon, who does not have family members buried at Pinelawn, said his participation was driven by a desire to honor veterans and their sacrifices.
The Wantagh Lions hope to make the wreath-laying event an annual tradition. In addition to their involvement at Pinelawn, the group actively supports other causes during the holidays. They adopt two homes through St. Frances de Chantal Parish Social Ministries, providing families in need with clothing, food, and toys through club fundraisers. They also deliver desserts to the Coast Guard on Christmas Eve.
“Anywhere where we can help, we help,” Obregon said.
Wreaths Across America, a national nonprofit, organizes the annual event to remember and honor veterans by placing wreaths on their graves. Events like the one at Pinelawn take place across the country each December, ensuring that the sacrifices of America’s servicemen and women are never forgotten.
With their commitment to veterans and community service, the Wantagh Lions are already looking forward to continuing their involvement in this meaningful tradition next year.
For more information on Wreaths Across America, visit its website at wreathsacrossamerica.org.
