Pine Bush High School Youth in Government was invited again this year to lay wreaths on veterans’ graves for the annual Wreaths Across America that took place on Saturday, Dec. 16. The group went to a cemetery in Modena, NY, where there are 200 veterans laid to rest.
Two of our Youth in Government members were able to attend. Senior Riley Kool and Junior Jacob Schuh helped keep this honored tradition alive. Both young men showed the utmost respect and felt honored to be a part of this.
“I was very proud of these young men and their dedication to our Youth in Government program,” said Charlene Webster, the Youth in Government advisor. “I was very moved by watching them lay these wreaths. This is something that I will continue as an annual Youth in Government tradition.”
This event is always done on the third Saturday in December all across the country. There are even wreaths shipped and placed on veteran’s graves overseas. The ceremonies are very moving and patriotic. Honor guards present the colors and selected Gold Star families speak about the importance of such an event.
This very special organization lives by the following motto:
REMEMBER the fallen… HONOR those who serve… TEACH our children the value of freedom.
Wreaths Across America is committed to teaching all generations about the value of their freedoms and the importance of honoring those who sacrificed so much to protect those freedoms. In 2022, the organization launched its expanded TEACH program and collaboration with like-minded organizations focused on character development and service projects for young people of all ages, with lesson plans for all grade levels and learning abilities. The organization will have a mobile education exhibit that will go across the country in 2024 spreading their message.
To see more about the history of Wreaths Across America and how it started, or to donate a wreath for next year, visit their website www.wreathsacrossamerica.org .