Christmastime is a season of celebration, of giving, of sharing love and joy. It’s a time when families and communities come together to share the joy of each other’s company.

But the holidays are also a time to remember those who aren’t here to share the celebrations with us anymore, and for a grateful America, a time to honor those who served and protected this country.

Volunteers gathered Saturday, Dec. 14, to ensure that each of the military veterans buried in Warrenton’s cemeteries are remembered this Christmas. As part of the national Wreaths Across America program,  those volunteers defied snow and pervasive cold to lay a wreath at the grave of every veteran buried in the Warrenton City Cemetery and Holy Rosary Cemetery in Warrenton.

A formal ceremony at the Warren County Tribute to Veterans Memorial marked the solemnity of the day.

“In cemeteries throughout this nation are men and women who gave their lives so that we can live in freedom and without fear,” said master of ceremony Gary Ruebling. “We thank those who gave their lives to keep us free, and we shall not forget you. We shall remember.”

During the ceremony, representatives of local veterans organizations, community groups and military families laid wreaths at the base of memorial site flags representing each branch of the U.S. military, as well as one for service members listed as missing in action or prisoners of war.

From there, volunteers dispersed to lay more than 500 wreaths, speaking the name on each veteran’s grave in remembrance of their service.

“It’s amazing. I appreciate it, for people to remember them,” said participant Tanya Schatzler, coming close to tears. She came to Warrenton City Cemetery to lay a wreath at the grave of her uncle, who served in the Korean War. Every year, she leaves flowers for her family buried at the cemetery.

“If it wouldn’t be for these guys in the military, we wouldn’t have the freedom we have today,” Schatzler said. “My dad served in the Army. My other uncle served in the Army, and my brother-in-law is retiring March 7 from the Air Force. It’s a family tradition.”

Susan Ehlenbeck, a Navy mom, came with a troop of Boy Scouts and Cub Scouts. She said she was happy to see a large group of volunteers laying the wreaths.

“I am amazed, especially after working with the Veterans Memorial Committee, and working with so many other veterans who were not honored the way they should have been after serving, especially during the Vietnam War,” Ehlenbeck said. “To get this kind of support for those who have served, and those who are now serving — words just can’t describe how honored I am to be a part of that.”