MADISON – About 15 local Girl Scouts from Madison Service Unit 212 joined many other volunteers to place wreaths at veterans’ graves on Dec. 15.

American Legion, Post 229 in Madison sponsors the annual observance. The volunteers placed approximately 500 wreaths in Madison cemeteries.

Girl Scouts in Madison pursued this community service as part of Wreaths Across America. This initiative recognizes the sacrifices of the nation’s veterans with wreath-laying ceremonies in more than 1,400 cemeteries across the country.

“Each year, millions of Americans come together to remember the fallen, honor those that serve and their families, and teach the next generation about the value of freedom,” Nikki Rohling said. Rohling serves as Troop 329 Leader.

“This gathering of individuals and communities takes place in local and national cemeteries in all 50 states as part of National Wreaths Across America Day,” Rohling said.

Girl Scouts in Madison purchased wreaths for the deceased veterans. They ‘dressed’ (or prepared the greenery and added red bows) for the wreaths before ‘decorating’ graves with the holiday symbols.

“Girl Scout Troop 329 at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church used proceeds from their 2018 cookie sales to fund the purchase of more than 30 new wreaths to replace those that had become worn,” Rohling said. “Girls from Troop 926 took those donated wreaths and added the red ribbon bow for the holiday season.”

“The girls in our Madison service unit really enjoy giving back to the community,” Rohling said. “Many of the girls have family members who are active or retired military. As a result, this project has extra meaning for many of the Scouts.”

In other Scout activity, the session, “Developing a Girl Scout Leader Training,” will be held on Jan. 17 from 6 to 9 p.m. in Madison. The target audience for this training is both new and experienced Girl Scout volunteers.

Participants will learn how to guide their girls through the Girl Scout Leadership Experience in an exciting, girl-led way. Topics covered include badges, journeys, Volunteer Toolkit, calendar planning and several other subjects.

For more information about Girl Scouts of North-Central Alabama, visit girlscoutsnca.org.