Arlington National Cemetery
Saturday, Dec. 14, 2013
Early last Saturday morning, a group of students from Bishop O’Connell headed to Arlington National Cemetery to participate in the annual Christmas wreath laying event in conjunction with the Wreaths Across America program. At the cemetery, they were joined by hundreds of other volunteers who first came together at an opening ceremony where they learned more about the history of the project. Then they fanned out in groups to help unload the wreaths from semi-trailer trucks and to lay them in designated quadrants all across the cemetery.
For the third year in a row, the boys soccer team was represented in the O’Connell contingent. In addition, Christian Service Coordinator, Mannikka Heard, was joined by chaperones, Colleen Stablein, and T.J. and Sue Fitzpatrick.
For some participants, this day of service had special significance.
“I felt proud to be part of a large group that endured the cold in order to pay our respects to our fallen soldiers,” said one O’Connell student. “Arlington National Cemetery always makes me think about how each and every person buried there has a story behind them.”
Many in the group plan to finish the project by returning in January to help pick up the wreaths.
Operation Homefront
Sunday, Dec. 15, 2013
On Sunday December 15, another group of students headed to Lorton to support Operation Homefront at the local Moose Lodge. Their mission was to provide a joyous holiday celebration for families in need whose loved ones are serving in the military. Our students started out the day by dressing in Santa hats and elf costumes before they helped organize the toys that were donated earlier in the month. Once the families arrived, the group helped with crafts and activities and kept a festive atmosphere as the children waited to see Santa.
“This was my second year supporting this project,” said one O’Connell student. “were able to make a lot of people smile and ultimately helped complete a child’s Christmas.”
In the end, more than 750 children enjoyed this special afternoon.