HUNTINGTON, WV (WOWK) – National organizations have honored those who made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom. In Huntington, some of the younger members of the community have joined in this annual tradition.

There are numerous military youth programs throughout Cabell County and each year members gather at Spring Hill Cemetery to lay wreaths for fallen soldiers.

Like many organizations nationwide, members of the Air Force JROTC, Huntington High School ROTC, and Civil Air Patrol once again participated in the Wreaths Across America program. This year, they were able to buy 367 crowns which found refuge all over the cemetery.

For some residents, this time of year hits close to home.

I lost a first cousin in Vietnam at this time. I have lost several of my friends during my overseas tours in Afghanistan and Iraq.

Chester Adkins, West Virginia Blue Knights / Veteran

Local veteran Chester Adkins says seeing so many young people at an event like this brings him “joy.”

The pandemic has affected the number of wreaths purchased this year, but the number of volunteers ready to place them has remained constant regardless of the weather.

Rain or shine, we come here and honor these veterans locally.

Megan Luke, local coordinator of “Crowns Across America”

There are just over 6,000 veterans graves in the cemetery and the event organizers say their goal next year is to purchase a wreath to place in front of each gravestone.