Volunteers place wreaths at veterans headstones

BUSHNELL, Fla. - Volunteers from across central Florida gathered at the Florida National Cemetery, Saturday morning. They placed wreaths at the headstones, for Wreaths Across America - an annual tradition honoring America’s service members during the holiday season.

US Army veteran Steven Cates was there with his family. "I was deployed to Iraq twice, once for Desert Shield/Desert Storm, once for Iraqi Freedom. I was also deployed to Kosovo for six months," he said.

The former sergeant said he was humbled to be there paying tribute to his fellow veterans. "It's beautiful. I am so honored to be here. My granddaughter is in the scouts and laying wreaths at these headstones with her is a tremendous honor."

These were just some of the two million volunteers and supporters nationwide who gathered to remember, honor and teach at more than 4,600 locations in all 50 states, at sea and abroad. Each year's commemoration has a particular theme. This year's theme was "Live with purpose."

More than 160,000 veterans have been laid to rest at the Florida National Cemetery in Bushnell, Florida. Officials say the turnout of volunteers and staff was very impressive. Today's event has blown my mind. The amount of folks that turned out here today, the incredible coordination between our volunteers, Wreaths Across America staff, and of course our partners with Sumter County Sheriff's Department and others," said Doug Maddox, with the Florida National Cemetery.

Community members came together to honor those who gave service to our country. They laid wreaths at the headstones of family, friends and strangers. "They gave their lives for this county and deserve more reverence than they receive," said volunteer Gayle Butler. 

Wreaths Across America has been laying wreaths at cemeteries since 2007.