FARMINGDALE, N.Y. | The Farmingdale State College women's lacrosse team traveled to nearby Long Island National Cemetery on Saturday (Dec. 13) and participated in the annual Wreaths Across America initiative, where it placed wreaths on grave sites of numerous United States military veterans. 

The idea for head coach Erin Calkins's team to take part in the annual event came from both goalkeeper Giavanna Stamatelo (Jr.; Levittown, N.Y.) and her mother, Danielle Chirillo. The duo have relatives who are buried at the cemetery, and learned of the initiative when thinking about ways to honor their loved ones and other veterans.

The roots of the Wreaths Across America program date back to 1992, when the Worcester Wreath Company of Harrington, Maine, had a surplus of wreaths nearing the end of the holiday season. The company made arrangements through a local congress member to have the wreaths placed at one of the older sections of Arlington National Cemetery in Virginia. Since then, the initiative has grown into seeing more than three million wreaths laid at various veteran grave sites across the country annually on December 13 – which was unanimously voted as "Wreaths Across America Day" by United States Congress in 2008.

"Being involved in Wreaths Across America meant a lot to me because it allowed our team to give back and be part of something bigger than lacrosse," said Stamatelo, an All-Skyline Conference performer last spring and member of Farmingdale State's Student-Athlete Advisory Committee. "Having family members buried there made the experience especially personal for my family and me, and being able to honor those who served really highlighted the sacrifices made for our freedom and how important it is that the veterans are never forgotten."

"Watching the team and my daughter participate in Wreaths Across America was incredibly meaningful to me as a parent," added Chirillo. "Seeing young people take time out of their schedules to honor those who served and protected our freedoms filled me with pride, and reminded me how important it is to pass on respect and gratitude to the next generation." 

"Participating in the event was a truly special experience, and I believe it was the least we could do to show our support and remember our veterans," said Calkins, who is in her 14th season leading the FSC women's lacrosse program. "Being part of such a meaningful initiative reminded me of the sacrifices made for our country and the importance of remembering those who have served. We look forward to participating again next year."