COEUR d’ALENE — One by one, they hung the wreaths on the memorial.

Lt. Col. Corky Read placed a wreath for the Army. Sgt. B.L. Auwen, for the Marine Corps. Sonar Technician First Class Submarines Tony Woltz, for the Navy. Col. Bob Kirkwood for the Air Force. Technical Sgt. Gerald Martin for the Coast Guard. Wolf Cub Scout Kaden Harper, for the Merchant Marines.

The last one was placed by Disabled American Veterans Auxiliary member Sandy Doutre for the 93,129 servicemen and women from all branches, missing in action or prisoners of war.

The fresh, green wreaths with red bows were simple, but their message was unmistakable: “We shall not forget you.”

Wreaths Across America Day was recognized Saturday morning in the Coeur d’Alene Memorial Gardens, where more than 50 people placed 103 wreaths on the graves of those who served in America’s military.

“The mission is to remember the fallen, honor those who have served, and teach our children the value of freedom,” said Woltz, in is his fourth year participating in the program. He said 850 different locations throughout the United States were holding the same ceremony, and money raised goes to veteran’s services and outreach programs.

“There’s a big sacrifice that veterans and their families give, and that’s something that we want to bring to the front,” he said. “There’s a lot of veterans laid in our cemeteries, who don’t have family anymore to even recognize that they exist anymore, so it’s huge. I hope that when I’m lying here I get the same privilege.”

The Civil Air Patrol Coeur d’Alene Composite Squadron sponsored the wreaths. About 10 cadets in blue service uniforms stood tall during the ceremony while Cadet Capt. Isaiah Livingston, 18, of Spirit Lake, read the opening remarks to the crowd.

“We are gathered here to remember that we are one nation under one flag,” Livingston said. “We thank those who gave their lives to keep us free.”

He spoke about the rights and privileges of being an American. He called for the recognition of the sacrifice of those who have served through the entirety of America’s history. Afterward, he said he felt slightly overwhelmed with having such an important task.

“It just feels like I’m a little too small to be doing a job that big,” he said.

Scott Wallace of Athol attended the ceremony with his two younger sons, who are in the CAP. Wallace also has a daughter and two older sons. One son is currently serving in the Army and the other is an Army veteran.

“Supporting our veterans, it’s important to me,” he said. “These people risk their lives or gave their lives for us ... my two oldest boys are my biggest heroes.”

Patriot Guard Riders carried flags and the Daughters of the American Revolution were also present to show their support. DAR member Sandi Coultrap of Hayden attended with her husband and grandson. Her father fought in WWII and Korea and is buried in the Memorial Gardens. Coultrap said military means a lot to their family and she wanted to honor her dad.

“It’s very important to remember those who have gone before us, and have provided us with the freedom we have today,” she said.

Info: www.wreathsacrossamerica.org