Thousands of people on Saturday participated in the annual Wreaths Across America event at cemeteries across the country.

In 2006, Gaylene Ramos, a Blue Star mother, started the event at the San Joaquin Valley National Cemetery in Santa Nella at 32053 West McCabe Rd.

This year people gathered for a short ceremony at the local national cemetery led by event co-coordinators Mona Mendonca of Chowchilla and John Pope, before spreading out all over the grounds to lay wreaths on gravesites of veterans.

There are 10,000 gravesites at the cemetery and of those 3,295 received a wreath. The goal, according to the organization, is to lay a wreath on the grave of every veteran.

Those wishing to contribute to the event for next year can purchase a wreath for $17 online at https://www.wreathsacrossamerica.org/pages/14756/Overview

Wreaths can be picked up the day of the event for those who want to lay the wreath themselves on the gravesite.

The idea of Wreaths Across America began in 1992 with the Worcester Wreath Company of Harrington, Maine.

More information about the origin of Wreaths Across America can be read online at: https://www.wreathsacrossamerica.org/About/OurMission