The event coincided with wreath laying at the Arlington National Cemetery.
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She became involved after seeing something about the program at Arlington National Cemetery on “60 Minutes” in 2007. Wreaths Across America estimates that around 1 million wreaths were placed nationwide.
Volunteers laid wreaths for thousands of war veterans Saturday, but there weren’t enough wreaths for each veteran.
“Freedom is not free, and it’s important to thank those who have sacrificed and let them know we appreciate their service, and those who have gone on are not forgotten”, said Payne. “I thought about his parents and family who were notified on the eve of Christmas”, he said of the solder’s death.
Herbert Schafer, a Vietnam veteran from Battle Creek, said he appreciated the camaraderie of Saturday’s event and the chance to see friends.
A convoy of volunteers will arrive at Arlington to lay more than 200,000 Maine-made wreaths.
Today, Wreaths Across America (WAA), along with over 70,000volunteers, honored that pledge by placing remembrance wreaths on 240,185 headstones at Arlington National Cemetery – every grave and the columbarium.
The 5,700 headstones in Fort Scott National Cemetery represent our freedom.
Afterwards, they headed to the Pocatello Veteran’s Home to donate 33 wreaths. “We thought it would be a great thing to do for our cemetery”.
Sidney and his mother placed the wreaths on each grave gently.
The ceremony was even more sentimental for Carol Berger who lost her husband Lieutenant Colonel James Berger two months ago.
Long lines were the rule on the roads leading to the cemetery and at the trucks from which over 241,000 wreaths were distributed for placement at the graves of the fallen.
Gov. Maggie Hassan said the show of support in Boscawen showed how dedicated people in New Hampshire are to veterans and their families.
Schafer’s late wife is buried at Fort Custer National Cemetery, he said, as is his current wife’s father.
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Wreaths Across America coordinate ceremonies in all fifty states, with thousands of volunteers working to organize, raise funds, and participate in the events.
