National Wreaths Across America Day was on Saturday, Dec. 14, 2024, and took place at more than 4,600 participating locations across the country. This was Newark Valley Boy Scout Troop 30’s eighth year participating in the placing of wreaths at Arlington National Cemetery. Fourteen scouts and four adults participated, and American Legion Post 130 in Falls Church, Va. hosted the troop for the three days during which they attended the event.
Each December, wreaths are placed on veterans’ tombstones through coordinated ceremonies at Arlington National Cemetery as well as at additional locations in all 50 U.S. states, at sea, and abroad. The event provides an opportunity for communities to gather during the busiest time of year to pause and say thank you to all who have served and sacrificed for our freedom.
After the ceremony, the Scouts were able to spend some time visiting the National Museum of the United States Navy and the National Mall.
As Troop 30 enters its 93rd year, please welcome its 64th and 65th Eagle Scouts, Joseph Gillio and Luke Saunders. Both Luke and Joseph will continue in scouting and will be training to become assistant scoutmasters.
Joseph’s project was at Saint Patrick’s Church in Owego last October. The project involved repairing and refurbishing a portion of the church that had been severely water-damaged…