Two Galion Pioneer students, Damien Johnson and Jon Christensen, will be recognized at the February Board of Education meeting for their significant contributions to our recent Wreaths Across America ceremony. Damian and Jon, who attend Pioneer Career and Technology Center, collaborated with their former Galion High School teacher, Mr. Weirich, to design and build beautiful wreath stands. These stands were used during the Wreath Across America Ceremony, a 30-year national tradition. It will become an annual event for Galion’s Civil Air Patrol program (CAP).
The CAP cadets proudly participated in the Wreaths Across America Ceremony. Flags representing POW/MIA (Prisoners of War/Missing in Action), United States Air Force, United States Army, United States Navy, United States Marines, United States Merchant Marines, and the United States Space Force lined the stage of Galion High School. During the ceremony, cadets volunteered to approach the podium to give a brief speech regarding the history and importance of each of the flags displayed while another cadet posted the wreath on the ceremonial stand and rendered a salute. Once all the wreaths were placed, the cadets observed a poignant moment of silence to honor our fallen service members while facing the assembly of flags and wreaths.
“This was an incredible teaching moment for all involved,” said SMSgt. Brian Kentosh. “The actions of Damian and Jon exemplify the core values of integrity, respect, and service before self. Through their volunteer efforts and the participation of our cadets, they’ve demonstrated how even small contributions can profoundly impact honoring those who have given so much for our freedoms.”
The Wreaths Across America organization is a non-profit dedicated to honoring our nation’s veterans by placing wreaths on their graves at military cemeteries across the United States. Their mission—“Remembering the fallen, Honoring those who serve, and Teaching our children the value of freedom”—is reflected in their efforts to ensure that every veteran’s grave is recognized and remembered.
The annual wreath-laying tradition began over 30 years ago and is held each December on “Wreaths Across America Day.” This event is part of a larger effort, including a pilgrimage from Harrington, Maine, to Arlington National Cemetery, often called "the world’s largest veterans’ parade." Along the way, the convoy of trucks, local law enforcement, staff, and supporters stops at schools, monuments, veterans’ homes, and communities to share the importance of the mission.
We extend our heartfelt thanks to Damian and Jon for their invaluable contributions and to all the cadets who made this event successful.