Wreaths to laud Valley Forge heroes

For the second year in a row, the "Wreaths Across America" project will come to Valley Forge to commemorate the men and women who died on the site during America's War for Independence.

On Saturday at 10 a.m., the public is invited to join the Friends of Valley Forge Park, who will place over 2,000 wreaths around the National Memorial Arch to highlight the service and sacrifices of our veterans. A moment of silence will be observed at noon. The display, which is sponsored by Peco Energy, will remain in place through mid-January.

"It is especially relevant that such an event be held at Valley Forge, where so many lost their lives for the original cause of freedom and independence," says Don Naimoli, chairman of the board of the Friends of Valley Forge Park.

Wreaths Across America began in 1992 in Arlington, Va., as a simple act of gratitude and commemoration. It has since grown into a national tradition held annually on the second Saturday in December in every state in the nation. In 2010, over 220,000 wreaths were laid in 545 locations both within the US and overseas.