FAYETTEVILLE (KFSM) -- Volunteers gathered Saturday (Dec. 16) to honor military veterans and their families for National Wreath Laying Day at the Fayetteville National Cemetery.
"Once a year, we come out here to place wreaths on every grave out here," Bob Sikes Jr., veteran said. "These are all of our brothers and sisters that have passed and it's just one way of saying we still care about you."
One-hundred-twenty-nine volunteers helped to place the more than 8,000 wreaths on the graves of veterans to remember and honor those who fought for the country.
"We had Boy Scouts, pack troops, ROTC and individuals," Sikes said. "They just come from all over."
Funding for the wreaths came from local businesses and community members, including Walmart who provided the trucks to have the wreaths delivered in addition to purchasing the decorations.
Transportation for the wreaths was also provided by Tyson and J.B. Hunt.
"It takes quite a bit," Conrad Miller, Walmart Director of Transporation said. "We have a lot of trucks that come from all over the nation. They start out in Maine and they split up and go to different national cemeteries."
Volunteers said there's a meaningful purpose for all this ... it's a way to remember and honor veterans just in time for the holidays.
"The biggest part is that we are able to honor those who are laid to rest," Miller said. "Remember them and remember their sacrifices, and also it really helps with bringing the kids in and showing them that the freedom today ... there was a sacrifice for that freedom."
Other cemeteries across the nation joined on this mission Saturday.