SAN ANTONIO — An event going strong after 12 years, Wreaths Across America continued its campaign Saturday by donating wreaths in tribute to veterans laid to rest at cemeteries across America, including Fort Sam Houston.
The first wreaths were laid for each branch of the U.S. military. Saturday's ceremony included Barbershop music and was attended by congressional representatives, including Congressman Will Hurd, who participated by laying his own wreath.
"It's heartwarming to be out here with so many people doing something so important for the fabric of our country," Hurd said.
Last year's attendance hovered around 10,000, but this year, without sunshine replacing rain, some thousands more were handed a wreath from a box or a caged truck.
The cemetery is one of over 1,400 taking place in this year's Wreaths Across America, and at Fort Sam Houston they laid over 32,000. The overarching goal is to eventually get a wreath on every single headstone at Fort Sam Houston.
Which is exactly what one participating group, Southwest Airlines, would love to see happen.
"Every year our volunteers get larger and larger. We have over 75 coming out today to help with the sections we are going to be laying wreaths at," said Marie Claire Tirress, whose father served in World War II.
She said Saturday's event held special meaning.
"I think he would be proud of us. I think he would say thank you for taking the time and coming out here and showing that we care about our veterans," she said.
He'd be proud of the rest of the crowds too.
"It makes my heart burst because it is such an important way of paying tribute to the people who have served our country, and what a better way for us to thank them and their families," Tirress said.
You can purchase a wreath through their website all year round at wreathsacrossamerica.org.