Boy Scout Troop 64 is seeking sponsorships for wreaths to be laid at Indiantown Gap National Cemetery on Saturday, Dec. 16, and local cemeteries on Sunday, Dec. 17.

Troop 64 became involved in securing wreath sponsorships for Wreaths Across America 10 years ago after helping at the wreath-laying ceremony at Indiantown Gap National Cemetery. During the wreath-laying, the Scouts noticed that not every grave received a wreath. The troop learned that Wreaths Across America, a national nonprofit program, provides the wreaths through private sponsorships. Troop 64 then resolved to make sure every veteran's grave got a wreath. Since the second year the troop became involved at Indiantown Gap, the cemetery has had enough wreaths for every veteran's grave.

Five years ago, the troop decided to bring Wreaths Across America to several local cemeteries where the Scouts were already placing flags for Memorial Day. These locations are the church cemeteries at Landisville Mennonite, Salunga Mennonite, Salem United Church of Christ (UCC) in Rohrerstown, Landisville Reformed, Zion Historical, Salunga Brethren, and Conestoga United Methodist Church as well as Laurel Hill Memorial Gardens. Troop 64's goal is to honor all veterans in these cemeteries with a wreath, and the Scouts hope to expand their efforts to additional local cemeteries, as well.

Wreaths Across America's mission is to remember, honor and teach. The organization memorializes veterans by saying their names, placing wreaths on their graves, cleaning their graves and saluting the veterans, and Wreaths Across America also teaches the younger generations about the sacrifices of veterans.

Since Troop 64 became involved with Wreaths Across America, the Scouts have developed a new appreciation for veterans and have participated in more service projects benefiting them.

To sponsor a wreath, visit http://www.wreathsacrossamerica.org and click "Local Sponsorship Group" under the "Volunteer" button in the middle of the page. Wreath sponsorships, along with wreath-laying ceremony details, are also available by contacting Nina Evans at 717-572-3448.

Boy Scout Troop 64 meets every Tuesday at 6:30 p.m. at Salem UCC, 2312 Marietta Ave., Lancaster. Boys ages 11 to 18 are welcome to visit and join.