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Wreaths Across America honors veterans in Rehoboth Beach

Volunteers, families place wreaths on 180 graves in Epworth Cemetery
Katie Sarver places a wreath on her grandfather’s grave while her mother Betsy Baumeister, center, and daughter Madeline Sarver look on. Harry Derrickson served in World War II and went on to found Carlton’s in Rehoboth Beach. BILL SHULL PHOTOS
Bill Shull
December 21, 2023

Katie Sarver of Blacksburg, Va., shed some tears as she placed a wreath on her grandfather’s grave.

Harry Derrickson is one of 180 veterans buried in the Epworth United Methodist Church Cemetery in Rehoboth Beach, site of the third annual Wreaths Across America ceremony Dec. 16.

Derrickson was born in Milford, lived in Rehoboth Beach and served in World War II as a navigator on a B-17 bomber. He went on to found Carlton’s Men’s and Women’s Apparel and serve as a state representative.

Family members and volunteers fanned out across the cemetery to place wreaths on veterans’ graves, which were marked with an American flag.

“Both my godparents were lieutenant colonels [in the Air Force] and they’re buried at Arlington. So it is important to support the armed forces,” said Cliff Fantini of Rehoboth Beach.

The ceremony began with a person representing each branch of the armed forces – Army, Navy, Air Force, Space Force, Marines, Coast Guard, Merchant Marines and POW/MIAs – placing a wreath to honor those who served.

“We owe them more than a wreath. We owe them our gratitude and remembrance,” said former Speaker of the House Rep. Pete Schwartzkopf, D-Rehoboth Beach.

He and Sen. Russ Huxtable, D-Lewes, were among the dignitaries who made remarks before the placing of the wreaths.

Trista Harner sang the national anthem at the start of the event. Amelia Bickel performed “Taps” at the conclusion.

Wreaths Across America is expected to donate almost 3 million wreaths this year at ceremonies in all 50 states, at sea and abroad. 

 

Former House Speaker Rep. Pete Schwartzkopf, D-Rehoboth Beach, delivers remarks as Dave Diefenderfer, VFW Post 7447 commander and active member of the Navy, and Sen. Russ Huxtable, D-Lewes, look on.
Bob Hutchinson of Harbeson carries a wreath to place on a grave of a veteran in Epworth Cemetery.
A good crowd turned out to honor veterans as part of the third annual Wreaths Across America ceremony.
Petty Officer Second Class Sara Pounder salutes after placing a wreath in honor of the men and women of the U.S. Coast Guard.
Cliff Fantini of Rehoboth Beach lays a wreath on the grave of John G. Olson, who served in the U.S. Coast Guard in World War II. Fantini said it was important for him to honor the armed forces.
Bonnie and Tom Lepson of Rehoboth Beach brought their three granddaughters to the ceremony (l-r) Adeline, Violet and Stella Infantino. Tom Lepson said it is important that young people learn the importance of honoring veterans.
An American flag and wreath mark the grave of Army Private Frederick Kenneth Cooper.
Service wreaths representing all branches of the armed forces and POW/MIAs.
Madeline Sarver salutes after placing a wreath on her great grandfather’s grave. Sarver attends Radford University and will soon be commissioned a second lieutenant in the U.S. Army.
The graves of Harry and Earline Derrickson in Epworth Cemetery.
Members of the Cape Henlopen High School JROTC presented the colors at the Wreaths Across America ceremony.

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Bill Shull has been covering Lewes for the Cape Gazette since 2023. He comes to the world of print journalism after 40 years in TV news. Bill has worked in his hometown of Philadelphia, as well as Atlanta and Washington, D.C. He came to Lewes in 2014 to help launch WRDE-TV. Bill served as WRDE’s news director for more than eight years, working in Lewes and Milton. He is a 1986 graduate of Penn State University. Bill is an avid aviation and wildlife photographer, and a big Penn State football, Eagles, Phillies and PGA Tour golf fan. Bill, his wife Jill and their rescue cat, Lucky, live in Rehoboth Beach.

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