Every year, thousands of volunteers travel to Arlington, Va. to lay wreaths on the tombstones in Arlington National Cemetery. Wreathes Across America organizes the event each year, and this year, the day to lay wreathes was Saturday, December 17. Thousands of volunteers showed up to honor fallen soldiers, despite the nasty weather conditions that day.

This year was the 25th anniversary of the event, and organizers estimated that over 245,000 wreathes were placed on tombstones throughout the day. Many volunteers felt that, despite the frigid temperatures and hazardous road conditions, it was important to come out and show support for fallen soldiers because they fought and died in conditions that were far worse. Freedom can come at with a steep price tag, and many event attendees felt that it was important not to take that for granted.

Several volunteers also noted that, as the event is held in Arlington National Cemetery, surrounded by the graves of thousands of fallen soldiers, it’s a good opportunity to see just how many of them sacrificed their lives for the freedom of our country. The event is meant to remember each fallen soldier and the price they, and their family members, have paid for our freedom.

December, for Wreaths Across America, people place wreaths on the graves of veterans at cemeteries around the nation. We visit Arlington National Cemetery on a cold, wet Saturday on Dec. 17, 2016, as thousands of people volunteered to place wreaths.