AUSTIN, Texas -- Families and volunteers laid Christmas wreaths for veterans on Saturday.

• Tradition began more than 10 years ago
• More than 8,000 wreaths were placed on the graves of veterans

The tradition began more than 10 years ago at the Central Texas State Veterans Cemetery. 

This year more than 8,000 wreaths were placed on the graves of veterans. Fallen soldier's families, veterans, and active service men and women place the wreaths themselves and often feel a connection to the person their honoring.

"I don't know his family, but I know he is a comrade. He was an U.S. Army soldier and he fought in the Korean War. My grandfather fought in the Korean War, so that brought back memories for me. I didn't intentionally pick him but something took me to him and his grave sight,” said Carlo Davis, Commander for VFW Post #9191 in Killeen.

There will be separate retrieval ceremony at the start of the new year.