FORT SMITH, Ark. — What has become a yearly Christmas tradition at the Fort Smith National Cemetery is back again this year, and volunteers are needed to lay more than 16,000 wreaths at each headstone.
Phillip Merry has led the Christmas Honors initiative for the last 15 years to remember veterans who have passed.
"They were never afraid of dying. They just didn't want to be forgotten," Merry said.
Just like every year, Merry said they need volunteers for Dec. 1 and Dec. 2.
On Friday, Dec. 1, volunteers are needed to prepare the wreaths and will be needed the following day to lay the wreaths.
The wreath laying will begin with only family members of those buried at the cemetery on Dec. 2. A brief ceremony will follow at 11 a.m. After the ceremony, volunteers are allowed to step in and help place the wreaths.
"There's over 3000 people, typically that'll be there," Merry said. "That's how many people care and want to help."
Merry said the initiative is ultimately about thanking those who are buried at the national ceremony.
"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 wouldn't be able to do this. And we really do take that to heart," Merry said.
For more information on Christmas Honors and how to volunteer, visit their website.
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