HOWELL – Young men from St. Veronica Boy Scout Troop 300 of Howell recently
participated in a national wreath laying ceremony for fallen soldiers at the Old Tennent Cemetery in Manalapan.
The Francis Hopkinson-Monmouth Court House Chapter of the National
Society Daughters of the American Revolution sponsored the Wreaths Across
America event, which is held simultaneously at Arlington National Cemetery in
Virginia and at other cemeteries to remember, honor and teach about soldiers who sacrificed their lives for others, according to a press release.
The Dec. 16 ceremony began at noon with the Rev. Douglas Hughes, pastor of the Old Tennent Presbyterian Church, offering a prayer and speaking about the importance of remembering the sacrifices of those who fought for freedom.
Hughes spoke about what Wreaths Across America does and why.
“First, to remember the fallen. Second, to honor those who serve and their families. And finally by our example today to teach our young folks as well as our communities the value and price of freedom,” he said.
Prayers of mercy and comfort were requested for family members of the fallen “because when a soldier serves, the family serves as well,” Hughes said.
Ceremonial wreaths representing each branch of service, as well as prisoners of war and members of the armed forces who are missing in action, were placed on wreath stands near a flagpole by individuals and family members affiliated with the U.S. military, according to the press release.
Troop 300 members and other participants were then given wreaths to place at the graves of veterans from all American wars. More than 1,200 veterans are buried at the cemetery, including hundreds from the Revolutionary War.
When placing a wreath at a grave marker, the scouts said the veteran’s name aloud to recall not only that individual’s death, but to keep the memory of that person alive, according to the press release.
Afterward, Hughes opened the doors to the church and explained that it was established in 1692, but that the current building was the third one and was built in 1751. Once inside, visitors saw the beautiful sun-filled interior as it existed hundreds of years ago, according to the press release.
During the Revolutionary War, the church was used as a hospital during the Battle of Monmouth as evidenced by the bullet holes and bloodstains in the pews. The pastor showed cannonballs that were used at that time and invited visitors to hold them.
The scouts who participated in the ceremony included Cameron
Busico-Vasquez, Cody Brooke, Brian Truszkowski and Tim Weg. Three of the young men have a connection to the military.
Cody’s father, Tim, served in the U.S. Marines. Brian, a high school senior who has completed his Eagle Scout project, will be joining the Marines next year. Tim’s grandfather, Tom Galambos, served in the U.S. Air Force.
