Cadets from the Leesburg Composite Squadron of the Civil Air Patrolâs Virginia Wing brought Christmas cheer to the final resting places of nearly 600 military veterans by placing wreaths atop their graves at Leesburgâs Union Cemetery on Saturday, according to Civil Air Patrol (CAP) officials.
âIt is a small token of gratitude we can provide each year to remember those who came before us,â squadron commander Maj. David Thornton said in a statement.
As an offshoot of Arlington National Cemeteryâs nearly 30-year-old wreath-laying project, CAP began its Wreaths Across America program in 2006.
Despite the COVID-19 health crisis having hindered many holiday traditions this year, the Leesburg cadets observed proper mask and social distancing protocols to honor the local deceased.