Massillon (December, 2024)
NEOPAT was once again this year proud to partner with Wreaths Across America and Ohio Flags of Honor in helping to place holiday wreaths on the graves of the 2,300 veterans buried in Massillon, Ohio’s Calvary Cemetery on Saturday, December 14th.
The second Saturday of December has been the date for some 20 years on which the Wreaths Across America initiative takes place at cemeteries across the nation including Arlington National Cemetery and the Western Reserve National Cemetery in Rittman, Ohio. Approximately 300 volunteers from around the Massillon community, including many youngsters, withstood the cold temperatures to participate in this annual event.
The event included a special opening ceremony where all six branches of the armed services were presented with a special wreath. Also recognized was the outstanding service of recently deceased Army veteran and Massillon native Staff Sergeant Joe Manhart. Manhart’s tank division was one of the first to liberate prisoners from the Nazi death Camp at Dachau in 1945. On hand to receive the honors and recognition was Manhart’s 95-year old surviving wife, Alice.
