Community Corner

Christmas Wreaths Laid At The Graves Of 500 Branford Veterans

For the last 4 years, as part of his Eagle Scout project, Mark Hally has worked to ensure the headstones of those who served are adorned.

Ellyn Santiago's profile picture
Ellyn Santiago, Patch StaffVerified Patch Staff Badge
https://patch.com/img/cdn20/users/1713316/20211221/102332/styles/patch_image/public/b-bill-wreaths-9___21100818220.jpg
Veteran Phil Zielinski comforts firefighter Jeff Masci who places a wreath at his grandfather's grave. (Bill O'Brien)
https://patch.com/img/cdn20/users/1713316/20211221/102332/styles/patch_image/public/b-bill-wreaths-11___21100359311.jpg
Branford Recreation Director Alex Palluzzi Jr. places a wreath at the stone of a Civil War vet at Damascus Cemetery. (Bill O'Brien)
https://patch.com/img/cdn20/users/1713316/20211221/102332/styles/patch_image/public/b-bill-wreaths-10___21100757604.jpg
Volunteers laying wreaths. (Bill O'Brien)
https://patch.com/img/cdn20/users/1713316/20211221/102332/styles/patch_image/public/b-bill-wreaths-8___21101031554.jpg
Taps being played at cemetery. (Bill O'Brien)
https://patch.com/img/cdn20/users/1713316/20211221/102332/styles/patch_image/public/b-bill-wreaths-7___21101050200.jpg
Monsignor David Walker from St John Bosco parish gives an opening prayer (Bill O'Brien)
https://patch.com/img/cdn20/users/1713316/20211221/102332/styles/patch_image/public/b-bill-wreaths-6___21101118737.jpg
Mark Hally (Bill O'Brien)
https://patch.com/img/cdn20/users/1713316/20211221/102332/styles/patch_image/public/b-bill-wreaths-5___21101141314.jpg
Branford firefighters salute during the playing of Taps. (Bill O'Brien)
https://patch.com/img/cdn20/users/1713316/20211221/102332/styles/patch_image/public/b-bill-wreaths-3___21101215602.jpg
Santa poses with members of Stony Creek Fife & Drum Corps (Bill O'Brien)
https://patch.com/img/cdn20/users/1713316/20211221/102332/styles/patch_image/public/b-bill-wreaths-2___21101238719.jpg
Branford fire truck with Wreaths Across America banner and wreaths. (Bill O'Brien)

BRANFORD, CT — For the last four years, Mark Hally has been devoted to his Eagle Scout project. And that project by the member of Troop 604 has touched the hundreds of families whose loved ones, dedicated fathers and sons, mothers and daughters, sisters and brothers, served their country from the Revolutionary War to present day conflicts.

The laying of wreaths every December, part of Wreaths Across America, is a way to honor and thank veterans for their service.

Hally has been working on his hometown Wreaths Across America project for years and on a cold, rainy Saturday, he was joined by many at Branford cemeteries, including St. Agnes Cemetery, where some 500 wreaths were placed by volunteers.

Find out what's happening in Branfordfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

Volunteers pose before placing 500 wreaths at St Agnes Cemetery. Photo by Bill O'Brien

Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

More from Branford