Wreaths Across America 2013 held at Fort Bayard National Cemetery

Fort Bayard National Cemetry is all dressed up for the season with wreaths on many of the graves. (Photo Courtesy of Rob Narvaez)

The Wreaths Across America to remember those who have served and who have died in service to the U.S. to keep the nation free took place Saturday morning at Fort Bayard National Cemetery.

Jim Zawacki of the Veterans of Foreign Wars served as moderator. He began the ceremony, as it was begun at cemeteries across the nation at 10 a.m. this morning, with a full minute of silence "to honor those who have served in the Armed Forces in service to this great nation."

He noted that the first and second years of the program, about 40-60 wreaths were laid on graves. Last year the number grew to 569, thanks to efforts of Mary Cowan, and this year more than double the number, with 1,180 wreaths purchased. The company providing the wreaths actually sent 1.404 wreaths, with free shipping thanks to a trucking company.

"If we continue to double over the next two years, we will have a wreath for every grave," Zawacki said.

Photos by Mary Alice Murphy