Members of our Pine Bush High School Youth in Government program participated in the annual Wreaths Across America ceremony on Saturday, Dec. 13. This ceremony takes place all across the United States and at several of U.S.  foreign cemeteries on the same day at the same time. It started back in 1992 in Maine with a surplus of wreaths and an idea of showing gratitude to those who have served our country.

 

 

The Pine Bush High School Youth in Government program has made this a tradition to participate in for the last several years. This year, the members that attended went to the Reform Church of Shawangunk where they helped lay wreaths for the nearly 360 veterans that are buried there. This cemetery has veterans buried there dating back to the American Revolution! It is one of the newest Wreaths Across America locations in our area and the turnout was wonderful.

 

 

Pine Bush High School members who were able to attend this chilly and snowy Saturday morning ceremony were Sofia McSweeney, Xuedan Lin, Michaela Andrikut, and Nevan Stelmaszyk. Rowan Stelmaszyk and Joseph Dickman, former members of the group who graduated last year, also attended and participated. The students were asked to lay the wreath on a marked veteran’s grave, with the red ribbon facing up, fix the ribbon, say the veteran’s name, and reflect for a moment on their sacrifice.

Colonel Stew Smith gave a powerful speech about veterans, including those buried in the church’s cemetery, and their sacrifices to uphold our country’s values.

“The United States of America was founded on the ideals of freedom, justice, and equality,” Col. Smith said. “Our nation stands as a shining beacon of liberty and freedom to the world. Accordingly, we thank those who gave their lives to keep us free, and we shall remember you.”

 

 

“What a special and moving moment right before the holidays,” said Youth in Government advisor Charlene Webster. “It is such an honor to be part of this day and it is so cool to think that all around the U.S. there are thousands and thousands of people doing the same thing – respecting those that have served and lost their lives defending this great country and the freedoms that we take for granted every day. It makes me cry every year.”

 

 

If you are interested in finding out more about Wreaths Across America or to sponsor a wreath for next year, go to the organization’s website, https://www.wreathsacrossamerica.org.