Following a somber ceremony in the Beaty Funeral Home chapel, dozens of volunteers fanned out across Roselawn Memorial Gardens Saturday morning to complete the task of placing a Christmas wreath on the grave of every veteran buried there, numbering almost 700.

The ceremony featured wreaths representing seven branches of U.S. armed services, plus prisoners of war.

Placing those wreaths were MSgt Wayne Perkins (Army), MSgt Dennis Denoi (USMC), HN Barbara Melott (Navy), SA Matt Thomas (Air Force), Suzanne DiCarlo (Space Force), PO3 Adam Abercrombie (Coast Guard), PO1 Doc Melott (Merchant Marine) and LTC Barbara Vogl (POW/MIA).

Coordinator and veteran Sarah Lucas said the wreath event is one of her favorites, to see the community come together to make it happen.

This marks the second year for Roselawn to be a part of the Wreaths Across America, which honored veterans in 3,400 cemeteries across the country.

Gold Star sister Misty Goldman recounted the history of the program, that began with a photo of wreaths placed at Arlington National Cemetery in the snow, that soon spawned a movement.

Lucas noted that the effort to obtain enough wreaths again next year begins immediately.

Cost of the wreaths was $17 apiece this year and are purchased with donations.

The purpose of the event is to remember, to honor and to teach, with the third being the most important.

The project is headed up by the Marine Corps League’s Mineola detachment, which commandant Kelly Smith said is testament to the league’s purpose of supporting veterans in all stages of life.