Wreaths were placed on thousands of graves last weekend to remember the lives of former servicemembers.
Since 1992, the tribute Wreaths Across America has brought military families, veterans and individuals to cemeteries in all 50 states, as well as 24 locations overseas, to honor the service of late veterans. According to the organization's website, the remembrance began with Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, Va., and expanded to more than 300 locations over the years. In 2008, Congress officially made Dec. 13 "Wreaths Across America Day," solidifying the tradition.
"If we don't honor those that have served and those who have fallen, then we will not carry the legacy on and teach our children what a great nation we live in," Tennessee wreath coordinator Bernice Koprince, whose son died while serving in Iraq, told local news outlet WBIR.
According to the news source, about 2,000 wreaths were placed on the graves of Knox County veterans this year. Meanwhile, The Washington Post reported that more than 100,000 headstones at Arlington National Cemetery were adorned with the wreaths over the weekend. A parade featuring military officials also took place at the expansive cemetery prior to the event.