Thousands of people spent today at Arlington National cemetery honoring our veterans.
More than 200-thousand wreaths were trucked in from Maine by an organization called Wreaths Across America which helps decorate every grave marker since the organization began in the 90’s.
The idea has spread over the years to include all 50 states including a ceremony that was held right here in northeast Wisconsin.
For the service men and women who are away from loved ones over the holiday and for all of the members who never made it home, today's event is a reminder for America that none of them are far from our thoughts.
Service men and women across the board, with different ranks and titles, all congregated in one spot today in Ashwaubenon with one sole mission.
"To remember the fallen, honor those who serve and teach our children the value of freedom," says organizer Captain Chris Thetreau of the Civil Air Patrol.
This national event serves as a reminder of sorts to the general public.
"There's a lot of things that I missed," says Steve Reilly a US Army Veteran who served in overseas from 2009 to 2010.
It’s a general reminder of the countless sacrifices made by service men and women for our country's sake.
"It was tough being away from family. I missed my daughter’s graduation. I had a couple close relatives that passed away and I was not able to be there for funerals," adds Reilly.
As the wreaths are displayed at the Brown County Veterans Memorial, each tied with a red bow, there's no question about the ties these men and women have to each other.
Ties between the service men and women of the present and past, that each wreath represents.
"It was an Air force Recruiter from my hometown of Denmark… We honor those who went before us by living life well," adds Martin Schweiner a US Navy Veteran.
And if living a life well is enriched in any way by brushing shoulders with generations of those who put their country first, I think it's safe to say these folks are more than just honored to be with such company.
There are already conversations about how to make Wreaths Across America's event even bigger next year in Brown County. We'll have to wait and see what the future holds.
