(WSIL) -- A local group is kicking off an effort to remember veterans who have passed away.
is a national organization, but southern Illinois has a local chapter called Honor Wreaths for Veterans.
The group started small by putting out 500 wreaths at the Mound City National Cemetery. Over time, and thanks to volunteers and donations, efforts have expanded by adding 14 cemeteries to the list.
Last year, Honor Wreaths for Veterans laid 6,000 wreaths at the national cemetery and covered every veteran in Carterville.
Brian Flath, who is a board member, tells News 3 this is a way for these men and women to never be forgotten.
"When we have our volunteers go out and lay the wreaths at the graves, we ask them to be sure to say that veterans name," he explains.
Flath adds December 18th is when all local chapters lay their wreaths, which corresponds with Wreaths Across American doing the same for every veteran and fallen hero in Arlington National Cemetery.
Those who donate, can buy a wreath for a loved one and local volunteers will lay it at their headstone. Meanwhile, all wreaths not designated to a select veteran are placed in the Mound City National Cemetery.
The cost is $15 for the wreath, and more information can be found on Honor Wreaths for Veterans' or .
