JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — The wreaths seen on veterans' graves at the Jacksonville Memory Gardens are not for decoration.
Instead, it is a reminder to thank the brave men and women who answered the call to serve the country.
Five thousand veterans were laid to rest at the cemetery. Dozens of volunteers with "Wreaths Across America" and supporters showed up in solidarity to place a wreath on at least 3,500 graves.
It does not matter where or how long a veteran served, Wreaths Across America said its purpose is to ensure no one is forgotten; that includes prisoners of war and those considered missing in action.
"We could be at many events for the holidays but I chose to be here," Josh Mary Quiles-Reyes said.
Quiles-Reyes, who served in the Marine Corps for 11 years, showed up to volunteer. This year is her first year participating in Wreaths Across America in Florida. She initially started in California.
"Take a moment to be grateful for what we have and the things we don't have. There is a purpose to it," she said.
While saying 'thank you' is a polite expression of gratitude, volunteers are encouraged to say the name of the veteran. It serves as a reminder that freedom is not free.
For Quiles-Reyes, being a veteran herself, it's also her way of saying "I see you."
Wreaths Across America encourages residents to volunteer for 2025, so all 5,000 veterans laid to rest can receive a wreath.