AUSTIN, Texas -- As many Americans place wreaths at the doors to celebrate the holidays, leaders gathered across the country to lay the garnish at veterans' graves.

Leaders, volunteers and family members gathered at the Texas State Cemetery Saturday morning for the ceremony. Governor Greg Abbott spoke at the event, noting that the crowd of attendees has grown over the years.

He also pointed to the number of young people in the crowd, many of whom were boy and girl scouts and some of whom could grow up to serve in the military.

"We will forever be the strongest and mightiest and freest nation in the history of the world if we are successful in continuing to attract and incorporate the next generation into the process of protecting our freedom,” said Gov. Abbott.

The governor went on to express gratitude for the service of all who are buried at the Texas State Cemetery as well as for all others who have served. After the ceremony, attendees each got a wreath to lay on a grave.