The holiday season can be tough for millions of families missing loved ones from their dinner tables or family events.
But on Saturday more than one million wreaths were laid on headstones across the country at national and private cemeteries to remember and honor veterans as part of the annual Wreaths Across America event.
In Medina county alone, more than 14,000 wreaths were placed at the Ohio Western Reserve National Cemetery in Seville.
The tradition began in 1992 at the Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, Virginia and has grown over the years.
Now the event takes place at nearly 1,200 cemeteries nationwide.
Last year 7,500 wreaths were laid at the Western Reserve Cemetery. This year that number was even greater thanks to donations by local VFW organizations and other local businesses. Family, friends and volunteers were able to place more than 14,000 live wreaths next to headstones this holiday season.
"It's very special. It's very humbling," said Lorraine Hlavin, the director for the Wreaths Across America Western Reserve Branch. "It's giving back to the vets and their families. People feel so honored to do it."
