POCATELLO — Local members of the Civil Air Patrol joined other squadrons across the nation Dec. 13 to honor veterans by placing Christmas wreaths on their graves.

Sherrie Hebert, Pocatello Civil Air Patrol squadron senior member, said the wreaths were placed on veterans’ graves in the Mountain View Cemetery at 10 a.m. Dec. 13.

“The Pocatello Civil Air Patrol organized it for the Mountain View Cemetery,” Hebert said. “Our organization has been putting wreaths out for 20 years in coordination with the Daughters of the American Revolution and the POW/MIA Organization.”

This year, the Civil Air Patrol had 900 wreaths, which is about three times more than it usually has. This was thanks to the generosity of an organization called Modern Woodmen of America.

“They made a $5,000 donation to Wreaths Across America,” Hebert said. “Some of their sponsored wreaths came to us.”

Hebert said there were some requests from family members for a wreath. Those requests were filled, and the Civil Air Patrol tried to place wreaths on as many graves as it could.

“Next year, our goal is to fill the cemetery,” Hebert said.

Several volunteers came together to help the Civil Air Patrol with the wreaths. Some of them were from Walmart or the Modern Woodmen of America.

“Supporting Wreaths Across America are the volunteers who play an integral part in the mission,” a news release said. “It should come as no surprise how our community steps up for such events and (Dec. 13) demonstrated just that with volunteers of all ages, including 20 Walmart employees.”

Hebert said it was an honor to place the wreaths on each of the graves. She said when each wreath was laid, the person would say the veteran’s name and thank them for their service.

“When you actually voice their name, you feel appreciation and gratitude for their service to our country,” Hebert said. “And not just for them, but for their families.”

Many of the volunteers brought their children to help with the work. Hebert said she hopes those children and everyone else realize the sacrifice each veteran made for their country.

“It’s nice to get kids involved,” Hebert said. “They begin to understand what our military does for our country and our freedom.”

Everyone at the Civil Air Patrol Pocatello Squadron expressed gratitude for Mountain View Cemetery for making this event possible.

“The Mountain View Cemetery made the entire event possible,” a news release said. “Without their above and beyond support, it would not have been possible to show our gratitude to our fallen heroes and their families.”

More information about Wreaths Across America can be found at wreathsacrossamerica.org.