Unit 304 served as a sponsor for fundraising associated with the donation of wreaths and we distributed flyers at our 100th Anniversary event. The Unit donated 15 wreaths to Wreaths Across America and members donated 8 wreaths which resulted in a total of 38 wreaths because of a 3 for 2 promotion.
Two members of Unit 304, a Legionnaire from Post 304, a community member, 6 Boy Scouts, and their leader and parents from Troop 97 participated in Wreaths Across America at Long Island National Cemetery in Farmingdale. Approximately 2,000 attended, unloaded the tractor trailers, and placed a record number of wreaths – more than 46,000. One member researched the lives of five soldiers where she placed wreaths:
James F. Nolan served as a PFC in the US Army during World War II. From 1940 to 1944. The registry shows that he died of wounds.
Sidney L. Moskovitz served as a 1st Lieutenant in the US Army during World War II. He was killed in action on March 1, 1945.
Charles L. Auber served as a Corporal in the Us Army during World War II. He was killed in action on March 1, 1945. He and Sidney Moskovitz are buried with their names on the same headstone.
Joseph A. Hrivnak served as a Corporal in the US Army during World War II. He gave his life fighting in the Battle of the Bulge in Belgium on December 23, 1944. He was in a tank with another soldier and both were killed. A third soldier received a medal for trying to get them out of the tank.
The World War II Registry lists Richard L. Weichmann, a technician in the US Army during World War II, as having been killed in action. Since the date of death is also December 23, 1944 and both he and Joseph A. Hrivnak share the same headstone, perhaps they were together in the tank.
President Pat O’Brien and Boy Scout Troop 97 await the start of the ceremony
VP Elizabeth Parrella prepares to lay wreaths
Trucks came from the entire eastern seaboard to support Wreaths Across America 2019
Anthony lays a wreath on the grave of a Spanish American War hero
Overview of our National Cemetery following the laying of wreaths. God bless our heroes, especially those who paid the ultimate price for our freedom.