‘Wreaths Across America’ lays wreaths on the graves of fallen soldiers Saturday

At Arlington National Cemetery, people laid 250,000 wreaths as a part of Wreaths Across America. Closer to home, those in the community came together to honor our fallen soldiers.

The Vietnam War changed Jack Baum’s life and took his brothers. “It was tragic. I came back a big war hero and they had the draft back then,” Baum said. He’s a former Navy Seal.

“My brother didn’t have to go but he joined, he wanted to be like big brother,” said Baum.

His family never forgot his brother or let go of his sacrifice. But, Jack could see the difference in his parents.

Baum said, “But my parents were never the same after that. It was horrible.”

Those who gave their lives to serve this country will always be missed. And for the families of those fallen soldiers, the holidays are often a reminder of their loss.

“It’s a sad time for me, because about two weeks before we got him for Christmas,” Baum said.

That’s why veterans like Stuart and Belle Berman laid out 900 wreaths for the heroes we’ve lost.

“When my husband was in the Navy, when he was in Vietnam, it was not a big thing when they came home, people weren’t happy about it that they were in Vietnam,”  said Belle. “So it’s nice to know they’re not forgotten. It’s just very special.”

“Never again will one generation of veterans be left behind,” Stuart said.

It serves as a symbol to be there for each other. “We usually have one or two that are from World War II. Which they’re in their 90s,” Stuart said. “And still come out here in their wheelchairs or walkers just to come out and be here.”

For people like Jack, it means the world. “To me, a lot of people here sacrificed and to see them honored like this,” Baum said. “It means a lot.”

More than 100 people helped put wreaths at each veteran’s grave today. Every single one of these was made possible through donations.