Every year an event known as Wreaths Across America takes place to help decorate the graves of veterans for the holiday season.

Last year was the first time that organizers got Woodland Cemetery in Ironton involved in the event that takes place at more than 900 cemeteries nationwide.

“Last year we got 300 wreaths for the graves here,” Juniata Southers, an organizer for the event, said. “This year we wanted to double that and we have.”

Currently Southers, and Linda Dalton have collected enough money to purchase 650 wreaths. However, there are 950 veterans buried in Woodland Cemetery’s veteran section.

“We wanted to double the number we were able to get last year,” Southers said. “But we did that much earlier than expected and now we are just 300 short of being able to decorate every grave in the vet’s section. That’s our new goal.”

The wreaths will be laid in a special ceremony on Saturday, Dec. 14 at noon. However, orders for the wreaths must be placed in by Nov. 25 to make sure they are delivered on time.

“We still got a few days we can take some orders and try to get a wreath for all 950 graves.” Southers said. “But we have to give ourselves time to get the wreaths here. Last year the delivery truck pulled out last second and we had a hard time finding a replacement.”

If you would like to make a donation you can send cash or check to Citizens/Ohio River Bank at 221 Railroad St., Ironton.