Soldiers remembered with 'Wreaths Across America'
KEOKUK, IA -- National cemeteries across the country took part in Wreaths Across America Saturday, December 13th.
At Keokuk's National cemetery, dozens came out to remember and honor those who served this country in a ceremony. Keokuk has taken part in this ceremony for three years. The cemetery had more than 1,200 wreaths placed on graves.
Family members of a fallen hero were able to purchase a wreath, and community members made donations towards wreaths. Wreaths Across America has grown in the last year. This year, 350 locations participated in the tradition, with 100,000 wreaths placed on headstones.
Last year, a little more than 32,000 wreaths were placed on headstones in 286 locations.
"Quite frankly, I really l believe that Americans are beginning to make some real decisions about what's right with America and who's serving her, and certainly these men and women buried here have served to the ultimate," said U.S. Air Force Veteran Patrick Hogan.
Keokuk has the only national cemetery in the state of Iowa. Veterans hope to cover every grave with wreaths in the coming years.
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