The Darien Youth Hockey Association directly supported Wreaths Across America this winter, with over 60 players volunteering to help place wreaths at graves in the Veterans Cemetery at Spring Grove Cemetery.
Contributed photo
Dylan Woodward (left) and Andrew Leonard from Darien Youth Hockey Association participated in the Dec. 14, 2019 wreath laying ceremony at Spring Grove Veterans Cemetery. Over 60 players volunteered.
— an announcement from the Darien Chapter of Wreaths Across America
The group also donated more than 250 wreaths to be placed at the cemetery as a local fundraising group. The experience taught the players that their success as a team can translate beyond the ice.
“It was an amazing event, and the players directly saw the impact of their efforts in raising wreath donations at the wreath laying ceremony which promotes remembering our veterans, honoring our active duty, and teaching our youth about the value of freedom,” said Michelle Woodward, the DYHA sponsorship and fundraising director.
Wreaths Across America began in the early 1990s, when Worcester Wreath in Maine had extra wreaths at the end of the holiday season.
The owner, Morrill Worcester, made arrangements with a state senator to have them placed at Arlington National Cemetery.
Today, Wreaths Across America places over 220,000 memorial wreaths at 545 locations.
If your group is interested in becoming a local fundraising group for the Wreaths Across America or volunteer for this year’s event at the Spring Grove Cemetery, please contact John “JC” Carter at wreaths06820@gmail.com for more information.