Jon Brumbaugh, left, stands with other local dignitaries, in this December 2016 photo when his Eagle Scout project to lay wreaths for Wreaths Across America began.

Eagle Scout project continues to Remember, Honor, and Teach

Since 2016 Wreaths Across America Day has taken place locally to honor and remember local Veterans who have passed. This local effort started by Eagle Scout Jon Brumbaugh has continued to grow here in Hancock County and is thriving locally.

Wreaths Across America Day has been held annually on the second or third Saturday of December since 2008 when the U.S. Congress unanimously voted it as “Wreaths Across America Day.” The annual tribute has taken place in more than 300 locations across the country and continues to grow with each year. 

With the inspiration of his Eagle Scout project, Jon a Scout with Troop 308, brought the program to Maple Grove Cemetery. Jon and many other local community members came together on Dec. 17, 2016, to honor our local Veterans, by placing wreaths on their graves. In the first year of the program they started with 500 wreaths and that number continues to grow every year. In 2019, almost 1,100 wreaths were laid at the cemetery to remember, honor, and teach those who protected and served out community.

This year on Dec. 19, wreaths were laid at Maple Grove Cemetery and in Benton Ridge and Arlington. In a video interview with WFIN Sherri Garner Brumbaugh, past Black Swamp Area Council President shared, “We laid close to 1,200 wreaths to remember our veterans in our community”

Sherri, the organizer of the local event, and many other volunteers are working towards one day being able to honor and recognize each one of the 5,000 Veterans who are buried at Maple Grove Cemetery. 

In recognition of his inspiration, Jon was presented with a Community Service Award from the Fort Findlay Chapter, Daughters of the American Revolution in June. He was honored with a certificate and pin by Regent Heather M. Pierce for his service and Leadership with Wreaths Across America.