Navy Petty Officer 1st Class Sarah G. Welch was honored during a program and dedication on the square in Maytown on Dec. 21. The event coincided with the delivery of American Legion Auxiliary (ALA) Unit 809's Wreaths Across America wreaths. Although they only had two days' notice due to the timing of the brick and wreath deliveries, 15 family members and friends, including a retired Vietnam veteran, were present for the event.

Welch's wish was to be home for Christmas and see her engraved brick, a Christmas gift from her parents. Sarah arrived in Washington, D.C., in the evening on Dec. 16, and the engraver and Drohan Brick made sure the brick was ready in time for the ceremony.

Welch graduated from Donegal High School in June 2014 and entered the U.S. Navy that October. She graduated from boot camp before the end of that year. She completed fire controlman "A" School, Tomahawk Technician "C" School, and Mission Distribution Systems Operator "C" School. She graduated summa cum laude from the University of Maryland with a Bachelor of Science in psychology and a minor in biology.

Welch is currently stationed on the USS Ross, 6th fleet in Italy. She plans to begin nursing school in August at the University of West Florida as part of the Navy's medical enlisted commissioned program. Upon graduation, she will be a registered nurse, attend commissioning school, and be commissioned as an ensign.

ALA Unit 809 Maytown registered its square with Wreaths Across America in 2019. ALA Unit 809's mission is to honor all U.S. military members and veterans.