'Wreaths Across America' ceremony offers holiday tribute to veterans

Young people from a number of organizations take part in the Wreaths Across America ceremony at Hartley Cemetery in Lakeport, Calif., on Saturday, December 17, 2016. Photo courtesy of Ginny Craven.

LAKE COUNTY, Calif. ? On Saturday morning, community members gathered to remember the sacrifices and efforts of veterans in the annual "Wreaths Across America" ceremony at cemeteries held throughout the county.

During the events, ceremonial wreaths were placed to remember members of all military branches, and then wreaths were placed on the individual graves of local veterans.

Two young 4-H members lay a wreath on the grave of a veteran during the Wreaths Across America ceremony at Hartley Cemetery in Lakeport, Calif., on Saturday, December 17, 2016. Photo courtesy of Ginny Craven.

A poignant part of the commemorations was the participation of children from a variety of local organizations including Boy Scouts, 4-H, law enforcement explorer groups and churches.

They participated in the ceremony, raised the colors and placed wreaths on the graves, a reminder that the veterans and their service has not been forgotten.

Boy Scouts Troop 42 raise the colors during the Wreaths Across America ceremony at Hartley Cemetery in Lakeport, Calif., on Saturday, December 17, 2016. Photo courtesy of Ginny Craven.

Members of the Military Funeral Honors Team at the Wreaths Across America ceremony at Hartley Cemetery in Lakeport, Calif., on Saturday, December 17, 2016. Photo courtesy of Ginny Craven.

Boy Scout Brent Hinchcliff with veteran and Military Funeral Honors Team member Griff Ratterree at the Wreaths Across America ceremony at Hartley Cemetery in Lakeport, Calif., on Saturday, December 17, 2016. Ratterree holds his treasured photo of the two from a ceremony several years ago. Photo courtesy of Ginny Craven.