12/16/2024
VALLEY FORGE, PA - On Saturday, December 14, 2024 at 11:00 am, members of Civil Air Patrol’s Pennsylvania Wing, gathered at the Washington Memorial Chapel to Remember and Honor our Veterans by providing support and laying wreaths at this year’s Wreaths Across America Day at the Valley Forge Encampment. Cadets from 1007th Composite Squadron responded were led by Lt. Col. William Manley. The group represented The Civil Air Patrol honorably as they responded to the formal request of support. Members from different branches of the armed forces, auxiliaries, company sponsors, family and friends were in attendance to Remember the Fallen, Honor those that Serve, and Teach our children the value of Freedom.
The annual Wreaths Across America Day at the Valley Forge Encampment is made possible by The Society of the Descendants of Washington’s Army at Valley Forge partnering with the Chapel, Valley Forge Park Alliance, Lockheed Martin, Pilot’s Club of Valley Forge, Valley Forge DAR Chapter, and the Patriotic Order Sons of America. The Society of the Descendants of Washington’s Army at Valley Forge is a non-profit group dedicated to preserving the memory of the men and women that utilized the Valley Forge Encampment during the American Revolution to rest for the winter.
One means of remembrance has been the continued laying of wreaths in honor our of those Valley Forge patriots since 2019.
In December of 1777, during the American Revolutionary War, the Valley Forge encampment was built for the Continental Army to rest during the winter. Under the command of George Washington, encampment endured the harsh winter and supply issues. Due to the conditions, nearly 2,000 soldiers died from disease and malnutrition. With the Army enduring harsh conditions, it was a turning point, they retrained which led to improved military tactics and a stronger force. With the arrival of the French support, it was decided to abandon the camp, which is why the encampment lasted 6 months.
After a brief ceremony, CAP took their places to hand wreaths out at the cemetery to the volunteers so that they can be laid at the graves marked with a flag. The proper process to is to receive the wreath and approach the headstone, extend the wreath outward (offering it to the veteran), place the wreath centered at the headstone with the bow at the top, say the Veterans name out loud, and give a moment of silence in remembrance or honor.
The event was concluded with hot chocolate and snacks at the chapel.
For more information about Wreaths Across America visit them on the web at Home - Wreaths Across America. To learn more about The Society of the Descendants of Washington’s Army at Valley Forge visit HOME |Society of the Descendants of Washington's Army at Valley Forge.
