FORT SMITH, Ark. — What has become a yearly Christmas tradition at the Fort Smith National Cemetery is back again this year.
More than 17,000 wreaths will be laid at each headstone at the cemetery, and as always, they are looking for volunteers.
"They were never afraid of dying. They just didn't want to be forgotten," said Christmas Honors Chairman Phillip Merry.
For the last 16 years, a large group of volunteers led by Merry have ensured that has not happened. Merry says that, like every year, volunteers are needed on Friday, Dec. 6, to prepare wreaths at the convention center. In addition to volunteers, the organization also needs trucks, pickup trucks and trailer to transport the thousands of wreaths.
The wreaths are placed at each headstone on Dec. 7, Pearl Harbor Day.
The wreath-laying ceremony will begin with only family members. The families place the wreaths first, then a brief ceremony starting at 11 a.m. is followed. After that, volunteers are allowed to place wreaths.
"There's over 3,000 people, typically that'll be there. That's how many people care and want to help," said Merry.
In the end, Merry says it’s all about thanking those buried at the National Cemetery.
"We do it because we just don't know how we'll ever be able to adequately thank the veterans for what they've done. And had they not done what they did, we may not be able to do this and we really do take that to heart," said Merry.
If you’d like more information about how to volunteer, visit the Christmas Honors Facebook page.