LAKE COUNTY, Calif. — Each year, millions of Americans come together to remember the fallen, honor those who serve and their families, and teach others about the true value of freedom as part of National Wreaths Across America Day.

This gathering of volunteers and patriots takes place in local, state and national cemeteries in all 50 states – including Hartley Cemetery, Kelseyville Cemetery, Upper Lake Cemetery, Lower Lake Cemetery, Middletown and St. Mary’s Lakeport cemeteries in Lake County.

Each year, a new theme is chosen to help volunteers and supporters focus their messaging and outreach in their own communities.

The theme for this year is “Life With Purpose.”

This year, National Wreaths Across America Day is Saturday, Dec. 14.

The event is free and open to the public. The observance will begin at 9 a.m. in all the participating cemeteries in Lake County.