Frederick Health sponsors Fairview Cemetery’s Wreaths Across America for the second year in a row

Frederick Health senior leaders and staff volunteered their Saturday morning to lay wreaths upon graves of veterans buried at Fairview Cemetery in celebration of the national Wreaths Across America tradition.  

Last year, Frederick Health sponsored the very first Wreaths Across America in Fairview’s 100-year history. The system has since committed to sponsoring it going forward, in honor of the veterans who fought and sacrificed for their country. 

Over 200 veterans are buried at Fairview, a historically African-American cemetery. Many of the individuals buried at the cemetery were reinterred from the former Greenmount Cemetery, previously located on land that became part of the hospital campus in the 1920’s. 

“Participation in Wreaths Across America is a natural extension of Frederick Health’s values, including responsibility, service, respect, and dignity,” said Dr. Cheryl Cioffi, President & CEO of Frederick Health. “As stewards of Frederick’s continued prosperity into the future, we carry a responsibility to preserve the legacies of those who have ensured our present through their courageous actions and spirit.” 

Michael McLane, Chief Operating Officer of Frederick Health, offered remarks at the ceremony following Dr. Cioffi. He served as an Officer in the United States Army for eight years.  

“This meaningful tradition reminds us to pause and remember the sacrifice, duty and legacy of those service members who have come and gone before us,” McLane said in his remarks. “It allows us another chance to say ‘thank you’ and teach the value of service and freedom.” 

Honoring and supporting military families, veterans on staff, and in the community is part of Frederick Health’s commitment to supporting the people we serve, and ensuring that the values and freedoms these veterans fought for are never forgotten.