Devens, Mass. -- Military personnel from all branches of service, along with members of the local community, joined Devens Reserve Forces Training Area (Devens RFTA) leadership for a special ceremony to honor fallen veterans. Despite the rain and cold, many came out to show their support and to lay a wreath on the grave of a departed Servicemember.The annual-wreath laying event, known as Wreaths Across America, began in Arlington National Cemetery in 2007. Since then, the non-profit organization of the same name has been dedicated to getting a wreath to the grave of every Veteran world-wide during the holiday season. For years, Devens RFTA, local businesses, and the surrounding community have done their part to contribute to this effort."Today at over 1,000 locations across all 50 states, at sea and abroad we gathered as a nation to Remember, Honor and Teach," said Rich Nielen, director of Plans, Analysis, and Integration at Devens RFTA, and coordinator of the event. "We are all proud to be Americans that live in a free society made up of many people, from many walks of life. But the freedoms we enjoy today have not come without a price.""Lying here before us and in cemeteries throughout the nation and around the globe are men and women who gave their lives so that we can live in freedom," continued Nielen. "We have a right to succeed and we have the right to fail at whatever endeavor we wish to pursue . . . we thank those who gave their lives to keep us free and we shall not forget you. We shall remember.""Thank you to those who made this event possible," said Lt. Col. Lindsey Halter, garrison commander, Devens RFTA. "I also want to thank the hundreds of volunteers who donated wreaths, laid flags, and braved the weather to be here this morning to lay wreaths. Thank you for making this event a success.""Today, we show a united front of gratitude and respect across the United States of America as we remember the fallen, honor those who serve, and teach our children the value of freedom, said Nielen."In 2018, nearly 1.8 million veteran wreaths were placed on headstones at 1,640 cemeteries around the country.