A special — and very patriotic — guest will be part of the Dec. 13 Wreaths Across America event at Sky-View Memorial Park in Hometown.

Rennie, a bald eagle in the care of the Carbon County Environmental Education Center in Summit Hill, will be part of an informal educational program held before the wreaths are placed.

“We will have a little discussion about eagles in general, eagles’ biology, and why they are the official animal of the United States,” said Rennie’s handler and center naturalist, Franklin Klock.

The program with Rennie will begin at 11 a.m.

Klock will also share information about the symbolic connection that bald eagles have with veterans and other patriotic facts.

“Having a bald eagle join us at this year’s Wreaths Across America event adds a moving and unforgettable tribute to our veterans,” noted Eric Zizelmann, a volunteer organizer for Wreaths Across America. “We hope its presence inspires reflection, gratitude and unity within our community.”

The program with Klock and Rennie will end around 11:45 a.m.

At noon, a short Wreaths Across America commemorative service will begin.

Families, Scouts, church groups, organizations and neighbors will then place wreaths on veterans’ final resting sites.

Volunteers are hoping to raise enough funds to place 3,800 wreaths — one for each hero resting there — so that their service and sacrifice are never forgotten.

Online orders can be placed at www.wreathsacrossamerica.org/PA0524 and will be accepted until Dec. 2.

Parking will be available at the Hometown Farmers Market.

Buses will start transporting the volunteers beginning at 10 a.m.

Sky-View is marking its sixth year of participation and is one of more than 4,900 locations taking part in Wreaths Across America.

Volunteer opportunities are also available by visiting www.wreathsacrossamerica.org/PA0524.