FORT BRAGG — More than 6,000 memorial wreaths were placed on the graves of veterans at a nearby cemetery Saturday.
- Wreaths were placed as part of national event known as Wreaths Across America
- Local event was put on by the group Rolling Thunder
- Organizers say it was the largest turnout they've ever had for this event
The event, held at the Sandhills State Veterans Cemetery, is part of the national event called Wreaths Across America.
Families and friends of many of the peope who lay at rest placed the wreaths on their loved ones' graves. Organizers tell us this year was the biggest turnout that they've ever had for this event.
For the families, the effort is a way to make sure the service and sacrifice of their loved ones is never forgotten.
"This is to honor all of our heroes. You look at all these wreaths on these heroes graves...it makes your heart huge," said Paula Garcia.
Garcia is the mother of Marine PFC Shawn Knicely, who in 1997, became the first person to be buried at the Sandills State Veterans Cemetery.
This local event was put on by the group Rolling Thunder. In 2018, nationally, nearly 2 million memorial wreaths were placed on veterans graves at over 1600 locations across the country.