Sons of the American Revolution participate in a Wreaths Across America ceremony held at Prospect Hill Cemetery

On December 19, 2021, the Colonel James Wood II Chapter of the Virginia Society Sons of the American Revolution participated in a Wreaths Across America ceremony held at Prospect Hill Cemetery, Front Royal. The ceremony was one of over 2,200 conducted over the weekend across the country to honor our Nation’s veterans. The goals of the WAA organization are to “Remember” our veterans, to “Honor” their service and to “Teach” our younger generations of the sacrifices taken so we can enjoy freedom in a democratic republic.

CJWII compatriots standing from left to right: Will Reynolds, Erick Moore, Charles Jameson, Chip Daniel, Dave Cook, Mike Dennis, Bill Schwetke; kneeling: Patrick Moore, Dale Corey, Sean Carrigan. Photo courtesy of Thomas “Chip” Daniel.

Boy Scout Troop #4 from Front Royal was the primary sponsor of this event. Scoutmaster James Naccash emceed the event with Senior Patrol Leader Miles Knapek commanding the presentation and posting of the colors. Scouts Henry Knapek and Jack Gillespie carried the American and Troop 4 flags, supported by the Colonel James Wood II Chapter Color Guard.

During the ceremony, veterans were called to present a wreath to each military service, the Merchant Marines and POW/MIAs. This was followed by a musket salute by CJWII and Taps being played by Philip Asper. Peter Hibl provided a closing prayer to end the formal service.

Musket Squad from left to right: Sean Carrigan, Erick Moore, Will Reynolds, Mike Dennis, Dave Cook, Bill Schwetke, Chip Daniel. Photo courtesy of Thomas “Chip” Daniel.

After the ceremony, over 400+ wreaths were placed on veterans gravesites throughout the cemetery.

Participating for the SAR were Sean Carrigan, Dave Cook (Dual Member from Fairfax Resolves), Dale Corey, Thomas “Chip” Daniel, Mike Dennis (Dual Member from Culpeper Minutemen), Charles Jameson (Dual Member from Culpeper Minutemen), Erick Moore, Patrick Moore, Will Reynolds and Bill Schwetke (Dual Member from Culpeper Minutemen).

Henry Knapek and Jack Gillespie post the colors. Photo courtesy of Jim Naccash.