Rockville Centre Boy Scouts lay wreaths for fallen heroes

The Boy Scouts of Rockville Centre Troop 40 participated in Wreaths Across America by helping lay 40,000 holiday wreaths on the graves of fallen service members at Long Island National Cemetery in Melville on Dec. 15.

Wreaths Across America coordinates wreath-laying ceremonies at more than 1,400 locations across the United States, at sea and abroad. 

The organization’s mission touches the lives of thousands of school, scout, civic and religious groups across the country through fundraising for wreath sponsorships, according to its website. These groups help Wreaths Across America reach its goal to place a wreath on each hero’s grave. In return, they receive fundraising dollars that assist in furthering their own goals and projects. 

Troop 40 also had the honor of meeting Roger Donlon, a Medal of Honor recipient. Donlon, 84, was the first person to receive the honor for his service in the Vietnam War, and the first member of the U.S. Army Special Forces to be recognized with it.

For more information, or to donate, visit www.wreathsacrossamerica.org.