Wreaths Across America week kicks off at the Statehouse

Those who have given their lives for our nation will be honored in December in cemeteries nationwide.

1.2 million wreaths will be laid at veterans' cemeteries around the country to remember -- honor and teach those to never forget their ultimate sacrifice.

The Kansas Statehouse held a ceremony to kick off Wreaths Across America week on Monday.

"It's a way to honor those that have fallen and our gold star families to let our veterans and those families know that really do support them," Lieutenant Governor Lynn Rogers said. "Those that have served give up so much and the ultimate sacrifice if they lay down their lives for the country means we can be here in this building, we can walk down this street, and we can have freedom of speech."

The crowd observed a moment of silence for those who gave their lives for our country.

"If we speak their name when that wreath is placed on that veteran's grave he is being remembered or she is being remembered," Nancy Pitts said. "So as we place that wreath, we speak the name and that brings them back into someone's memory."

Kansas Statehouse Ceremony Coordinator, Diana Pitts, whose son Corporal David Unger was killed in Iraq, continues the tradition of Wreaths Across America..

"I just want to make sure that because of his service and sacrifice. I do everything I can to make sure that all of our military is remembered," Pitts explained.

Lieutenant Governor Rogers says laying the wreaths sends a symbolic message, "The wreaths are really a visual of caring and are of the future."

"I think its a good opportunity to take time out during the Christmas break, the Christmas holidays to reflect on those that have sacrificed for us," Lt. Governor Rogers said.

National Wreaths Across America Day is Saturday, December 14th.

If you would like to participate in the wreath laying ceremony,