The St. Paul Knights of Columbus Fourth Degree Assembly 1166 of Portsmouth honored deceased veterans with a wreath laying ceremony, Saturday, Dec. 19, at All Saints Cemetery, Portsmouth.
The Assembly partnered with Wreaths Across America in this inaugural ceremony, placing wreaths at the graves of 20 veterans, many who had been members of the Assembly and St. Paul Council 418. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, participation was limited to specific participants and invited guests. According to organizers, it is the first time a Wreaths Across America event was held at a Catholic cemetery in Virginia.
Father Daniel Molochko, parochial vicar of the Cluster Parishes of Portsmouth and Chesapeake, led participants in prayer and blessed the 20 wreaths as well as the seven ceremonial wreaths that represented the country, all branches of military service and POW-MIAs.
Also in attendance was Stephen P. Raschke Sr., Virginia District Fourth Degree Master, who praised veterans for their service while noting the patriotic mission of Fourth Degree members.