Late Saturday morning, a local group met at Hawthorn Memorial Gardens to lay 175 wreaths on the headstones of veterans.
Wreaths Across America is an annual event to honor the nation's fallen heroes during the holiday season.
Along with the wreaths that went on individual graves, the group placed eight wreaths to represent those currently serving in the Army, Marine Corps, Navy, Air Force, Space Force, Coast Guard and Merchant Marines.
A wreath was also hung in honor of the 93,129 service members whose last known status was prisoner of war or missing in action.
Diane Lindsay, board member for the event, said it went well Saturday and the weather cooperated. While it was a little chilly, she said, there's been years past where the cemetery was covered in snow.
The wreaths are more than a festive decoration, but rather represent the different aspects of veterans.
The circular shape of it represents eternity, the red bow is a symbol of great sacrifice, the forest scent is for purity and simplicity, and the evergreen branches stand for longevity and endurance.
Each wreath is made of 10 balsam bouquets, representing 10 virtues veterans embody:
1. Their belief in the greater good
2. Their love for each other
3. Their strength, work ethic and character
4. Their honesty and integrity
5. Their humility, selflessness and modesty
6. Their ambition and aspirations
7. Their optimism for America
8. The concern for the future
9. Their pride in their duties
10. Their hopes and dreams that didn't always come true, but left them with no regrets
The wreaths will remain on display until Jan. 7 at Hawthorn Memorial Gardens.