Remember, Honor, Teach: American Heritage Girls honor local veterans

American Heritage Girls (AHG), a faith-based character development program for girls ages 5 to 18, is making an impact by honoring veterans this holiday season. Recently, the girls in Troop VA2206 served by supporting National Wreaths Across America Day.

A view of Winchester National Cemetery after all the wreaths had been laid.

“Remember the Fallen, Honor those who Serve, Teach our children the value of Freedom” is the mission statement for Wreaths Across America, an organization that coordinates wreath laying ceremonies at over 1600 national cemeteries both in the US and overseas.

As part of their oath, American Heritage Girls are committed to honoring both their country and those who have served. The program emphasizes learning about the democratic process, honoring the flag, and understanding one’s duties as an American citizen.

AHG Troop VA2206 has supported Wreaths Across America in its mission since the troop was chartered in 2018. For the 2019 season, the troop received 204 wreath sponsorships in support of the ceremony activity for the Winchester National Cemetery. Led by adult leader Jason Griffeth, himself an Army veteran, the girls of the troop along with their families joined several other organizations on December 14 in Winchester to lay the more than 2100 wreaths sponsored on veterans’ graves. Griffeth, along with adult leader and Navy veteran Lori Girard, helped the troop create remembrance poppy pins to be worn on their uniforms as a sign of remembrance and respect. Troop VA2206 will continue to support Wreaths Across America in the future.

Honoring veterans is part of our mission: Troop VA2206 gathers at Winchester National Cemetery to lay wreaths on veterans’ graves.

Faith-based organizations like churches and schools and civic organizations “charter” (partner with) AHG Troops to achieve their ministry goals for youth. Here in Front Royal, Troop VA2206 is chartered and supported by the Front Royal Church of the Brethren. With an emphasis on faith, service, and fun, AHG programming includes more than 240 badges, service projects, leadership opportunities, and outdoor experiences. Troops are led by adult volunteers who facilitate the AHG Program while encouraging girl leadership.