For the second year in a row, one young man is making sure that local veterans who have died continue to be honored and recognized during the Christmas season.
Ewing resident J.R. Dziminski is a parishioner, altar server and lector in St. Ann Parish, Lawrenceville, and a freshman at nearby Notre Dame High School. He is also a cadet staff sergeant in the Civil Air Patrol’s Twin Pine Composite Squadron.
It was through his service with the Civil Air Patrol that he learned about Wreaths Across America, a national nonprofit that works to honor veterans and remember their sacrifices – with an annual wreath-laying campaign each December. Dziminski answered the call to volunteer and even took things a step further by organizing fundraisers to support the laying of more wreaths.
“Wreaths Across America is important to me because I feel like at the Christmas season, families of
deceased veterans can see and hopefully feel…that a loved one is being remembered not by just them, but others as well,” he said. “I enjoy being a part of that and bringing them all some joy.”
Last year, Dziminski was able to raise $1,375 – resulting in the placement of 75 wreaths – and this year has collected $1,020, enough for 60 wreaths. Along with fellow members of his Civil Air Patrol squadron, he will be placing the wreaths at Brigadier General William C. Doyle Memorial Cemetery, North Hanover, on Dec. 13. He will also place wreaths on the graves of Civil War veterans buried in Morris Hall Cemetery, Lawrenceville.
Dziminski joined the Civil Air Patrol in 2024, following in the footsteps of his uncle who served in the same squadron. He has also been inspired to serve his community by his grandfather, a retired police officer, an uncle who is a firefighter and another uncle who is in the United States Army.
“Together, they have shown me the value of service to the community,” said Dziminski, who was also named Cadet of the Month last December for his support of Wreaths Across America.
His commitment to service also carries through to his involvement at school. Dziminski began his Catholic education in kindergarten at St. Ann School, Lawrenceville, and now as a freshman at Notre Dame.
“Along with going to Mass weekly, it has taught me the importance of my faith and to serve in as many various ministries as I can in school and my parish,” he said.
Dziminski has also been an altar server since he was in the fourth grade, has trained new altar servers and has had the opportunity to serve a Mass celebrated by Bishop David M. O’Connell, C.M.
“I plan to be just as involved in service projects and the many activities that Notre Dame is involved with,” said Dziminski, who is already a member of the school’s Madrigal Choir.
“I believe my faith has been a big part of why I enjoy helping others,” he said, “and this just helps blend into my Civil Air Patrol volunteering.”
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