The Westchester Cadet Squadron of the Civil Air Patrol, based in Scarsdale, will be participating in its second Wreaths Across America™ (WAA) ceremony this year at St. Paul’s Church, a National Historic Site in Mount Vernon, N.Y., on Saturday, December 13, 2014, starting at 11:30 a.m. Seven ceremonial wreaths will be placed to remember those who served, honor their sacrifices, and teach our younger generations about the high cost of our freedoms. Specially designated wreaths for the Army, Marines, Navy, Air Force, Coast Guard, Merchant Marine and POW/MIA will be placed on memorials during a ceremony that will be coordinated simultaneously at over 400 participating locations all across the country. In addition to these ceremonial wreaths, a number of civic groups around the country have joined with WAA to promote sponsored wreaths to be placed on veterans’ graves in designated sections of participating cemeteries. It is projected that in 2013, more than 100,000 volunteers nationwide will take part in the Wreaths Across America™ mission to Remember; Honor; and Teach.

This year will mark the second time that both St. Paul’s Church and Westchester Cadet Squadron will be participating in WAA. St. Paul’s Church was chosen by the squadron due to its historical significance in this country’s birth, honoring those who bravely fought for our country’s independence. The grounds consist of the 18th-century church that was used as a Revolutionary War hospital, a historic cemetery with burial stones dating to 1704, and the remnant of a Village Green that was the site of the Election of 1733 which raised issues of Freedom of Religion and the Press. Following the ceremony, guests can enjoy St. Paul’s holiday program with free music and performances, and enjoy a self-guided tour of the historic grounds. We hope you enjoy our video from last years ceremony and would be honored with your presence at this important event.  For more information on the site, please visit: http://www.nps.gov/sapa/index.htm.

If you would like to sponsor a wreath for these veterans, or would like more information about events planned for your community, please contact Capt Katherine Torres, CAP via email at lt.torrescap@gmail.com.