CM Marching Band honors Veterans
ARLINGTON, VA – The Central Mountain Marching Band traveled to Arlington, VA, on Saturday, Dec. 17, to honor United States veterans at the national Wreaths Across America ceremony. The students then spent the remainder of the beautiful day sightseeing in Washington, DC.
The band’s tradition was started in 2018 when marching band member Rachel Crust organized a local wreath-sponsorship campaign and service trip for the band as her senior project. Since then, the band has performed in local ceremonies at Highland Cemetery in Lock Haven, with a plan to travel to the national event every four years.
Band students participated in the solemn ceremony along with thousands of others, speaking aloud each veteran’s full name, observing a moment of silence, and placing a wreath on the soldier’s grave.
“The students were so respectful in placing the wreaths and honoring the veterans,” remarked parent chaperone Kelly Deems. One of the comments overheard was, “Now that’s a worthwhile trip.”
The band staff couldn’t agree more. “We have such good kids, and we feel it’s our job to teach them to be not only successful musicians, but also conscientious citizens. You can tell that these young people really want to make a positive difference in the world.”
The band would like to thank all the members of the community who sponsored wreaths for this occasion, as well as the generous donors who helped pay for the trip.
