COEUR d’ALENE — About 3 million wreaths were placed at the graves of veterans at over 4,900 memorial sites across the country for Wreaths Across America on Saturday, including at the Coeur d’Alene Memorial Gardens.

These wreaths stood for much more than the coming of Christmas.

“Each wreath is a gift from a grateful nation,” said Marty Behm with the Kiwanis Club.

Behm said the wreaths stand for the ideals of freedom, justice and equality that each generation of veterans have fought for.

“We shall remember,” Behm said.

A wreath was laid for each of the five branches of the military, as well as the 93,129 known prisoners of war and those who went missing in action. Gold Star families were also honored with a symbolic wreath.

The annual event corresponded with identical ceremonies taking place across the country at the same time.

Following the ceremony, about 100 people laid wreaths at the graves of each veteran buried at the Memorial Gardens. People were encouraged to say the name of the veteran aloud as they laid a wreath on their grave.

Most attendees had loved ones on their minds as they participated in Saturday’s ceremony, including Rian Bennett of Coeur d’Alene. Her friends are serving in the Army National Guard.

“Coming to these things makes me think of them,” Bennett said.

Members of Lake City High School’s Key Club, an affiliate of the local Kiwanis Club, were also in attendance. The ceremony was a chance for them to come together in service with their community.

“I really like serving my community,” said LCHS student Lily Jensen. “Key Club really shows us how much we can do.” 

    People were encouraged to say the name of the veteran aloud as they laid the wreath at their grave.
  

    The North Idaho Color Guard presents the flags at Coeur d'Alene Memorial Gardens on Saturday.
  

    Local veterans were honored during Wreaths Across America on Saturday.