FORT RILEY, Kan. - More than 1,400 wreaths were laid during the annual Wreaths Across America campaign Dec. 12 at Fort Riley Cemetery.
Since volunteers started participating in the national campaign in 2007, they have had significant success increasing the number of wreaths sponsored. The goal is to eventually get to 3,500, which is the number of veterans buried at the cemetery.
In the first year, 500 wreaths were sponsored. Last year, 924 wreaths were laid.
"We do this for our community and our veterans, because in this particular area, there are a lot of veterans' Families here," said Jerri McBride, who organized the event for Fort Riley. "We want to make sure that they know that we do not forget the sacrifices that they and their Families have made."
Before the 80 volunteers laid wreaths on veterans' graves, a ceremony took place that was simultaneous with similar events at more than 300 cemeteries across the country also participating in the event.
A flyover of four UH-60 Black Hawk helicopters opened the ceremony.
Col. John Dvoracek, deputy garrison commander for transformation, was the speaker for the event.
Wreaths were placed on stands to represent each branch of the military as well as one for Prisoners Of War and Missing In Action.
At the end of the ceremony, the 1st Heavy Brigade Combat Team firing squad fired a salute.
"We come out here to honor the veterans that have sacrificed - given their lives for our country and for our freedom," McBride said.
Several groups sent volunteers, including the Disabled American Veterans, American Legion, Veterans of Foreign War, Civil Air Patrol and several colleges and schools.
"A lot of these people have been here their third year," McBride said. "The first year we did this was right after a big ice storm. They are very determined to come out and help. It comes from the hearts of our volunteers."
McBride said many of the volunteers were Family members of Soldiers who were buried at the cemetery.
The wreaths, which are live, will remain until the end of February.
Donations and sponsorships are accepted year-round and can be made online at www.wreathsacrossamerica.org. The local campaign began at the end of September this year. The cost to sponsor a wreath is $15.
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