LITTLE ROCK, Ark. — Hundreds gathered at the Wreaths Across America ceremony on Saturday at the Little Rock National Cemetery to decorate more than 22,000 headstones with remembrance wreaths.
Every December people gather at the cemetery in Little Rock to honor those who have fallen, but every year it means a little more.
Rickey Collins, Sr. said it's about honoring those who paid the ultimate price.
"Showing respect for my parents," Collins said. "they are in the cemetery right now."
Collins, who served in the U.S. Navy for 20 years, placed two wreaths on his family's headstone.
One for his father Clarence Collins, Jr., a first lieutenant, and his mother, Rosemary Collins.
"They were in love with each other, you know, until the day they pass," Collins said.
Even after his father's death, Collins wanted to make sure his name and sacrifice are never forgotten.
That's a mission Bubba Beason said everyone accomplished on Saturday.
"I heard someone say you die twice," Beason said. "Once when you stop breathing and once when your name is said for the last time."
Nearly 500 volunteers and families walked, stopped, and placed more than 17,000 wreaths on a headstone of a fallen hero. Each wreath holding a significant meaning.
Every time it was done, their name was said out loud.
"This might be the only time of the year that their name is said," Beason said.
According to Beason, Wreaths Across America is an opportunity to remember the fallen, honor those who serve, and teach children the value of freedom.
"Just to be able to look at someone that served in the Spanish American War, [or] the Korean War, and just to show people that, you know, freedom isn't free," Beason said.
Collins said that it's important to not forget and keep their memory alive.
"We sacrifice for the ones that still serve you so we always show respect," Collins said.