GARDINER — A group of Gardiner citizens will place remembrance wreaths on veterans’ graves Saturday, Dec. 16, in Gardiner cemeteries.

This project is in conjunction with the national Wreaths Across American program which was started by the Worcester Wreath Company in Columbia Falls in 1992, with 5,000 wreaths being placed in one section of Arlington National Cemetery, according to a news release from Jim Keenan.

This program has expanded to cover every gravestone at Arlington, more than 240,000, and in more than 1,200 locations across the country and 24 foreign countries. In 2016, a total of 1.2 million wreaths were placed to remember and honor American veterans with the hope, this year, of placing 1.5 million wreaths in even more locations.

In 2016, approximately 400 wreaths were placed on veterans’ graves in Gardiner area cemeteries. There are, at present, more than 800 veterans resting in local Gardiner cemeteries and in surrounding communities. With the support of local businesses, organizations and individuals, it is hoped to expand efforts to honor more veterans this year.

Those interested are invited to help place wreaths at the Oak Grove and St. Joseph’s cemeteries. A brief program will start at 10:30 a.m. at the center of the cemetery by the flagpole, followed by the placing of the wreaths.

To make a contribution, make checks payable to Wreaths Across America and mail it to Jim Keenan, 561 Northern Ave., Farmingdale, ME 04344. All proceeds will be used in the Gardiner area.

For more information, call Keenan at 582-6530. If no answer, leave a message.