Dozens braved the cold and fog to make the trip to Grangeville Cemetery in Armona on Saturday morning to participate in a ceremony and lay a wreath on the graves of veterans.
In conjunction with the national Wreaths Across America organization, more than 3,100 wreaths were placed at the head stones of heroes at the 14th Avenue Lemoore Cemetery, Hanford Cemetery on 10th Avenue, and at Calvary Cemetery.
Starting in 1992, with 5,000 wreaths placed, the organization has steadily grown with donations from across the country. The organization currently places 2.2 million wreaths at over 2,100 cemeteries across the United States and overseas at veteran cemeteries in Europe.
More than 3,100 wreaths laid at local cemeteries | Photos
Corporal Julie Edwards salutes the wreath she placed in memory of Marine Corp veterans during the ceremonial wreath laying ceremony.
Executive Officer Captain Shawn O’Conner from Naval Air Station Lemoore was the keynote speaker at the event.Â
Monie Gallardo places a wreath on the grave of veteran Dale Vaughn at Grangeville Cemetery in Armona on Saturday morning.
Master Chief Petty Officer Scott Holwell places a wreath for the more than 81,000 veterans from all branches who are listed as missing in action, or as prisoners of war.
Kendall Smith, 9, sings the national anthem during the ceremony on Saturday morning.
Volunteers unpack the wreaths from their storage boxes for the ceremony on Saturday morning.