FORT SMITH (KFSM) – Nearly 200 volunteers went to the Fort Smith National Cemetery Saturday (Jan. 3) morning to help pick up the Christmas Honors wreaths.
“Rain or shine -- it doesn't matter,” volunteer Ed Savold said.
“You hear stories about the Revolutionary guys walking through snow barefoot. And their feet were bleeding. Then you got the guys who came back from Vietnam who were spit upon. We owe them so much more,” volunteer Tammy Durkee said.
Savold said the main reason he decided to help was to honor his friend Joe, a veteran.
“It's an honor and a privilege to be with the veterans; it's the least we can do for what they did for us,” Savold said.
After the wreaths are picked up, they head to the Fort Smith Convention Center to be packed away the same way as in years past -- but this time -- with one extra step.
The 15,000 wreaths drenched in rain water needed some extra attention before being boxed away.
Heated fans blew air on the wreaths until they were dry.
Cub Scout Gabriel Jones said it's worth it to honor those who died.
“They were brave. And they helped us when it was cold, and hot,” Jones said.
The bow from each wreath is removed, and one-by-one, the wreaths are shaken, so loose needles and debris will fall off.
Nearly six hours later, each wreath is safely tucked away.
The wreaths are being stored for free at Baldor Electric Company until December, according to organizers. The boxes, which are stacked 30 feet tall, will be draped with American flags.