WADHAMS — The national nonprofit Wreaths Across America announced Friday that the Essex County Veterans Cemetery in Wadhams will be participating in the national Wreaths Across America Day for the first time.

Wreaths Across America started as a gesture of thanks that has grown into a national, yearlong movement of dedicated volunteers and communities coming together to remember the nation’s fallen and honor their service and teach the next generation about the value of freedom. This year, there will be more than 3,700 participating locations placing veterans’ wreaths on National Wreaths Across America Day on Saturday, Dec. 16 at 12:15 p.m., with more than 2 million volunteers coming together.

The goal for Essex County Veterans Cemetery is to raise enough funds to place 100 sponsored veterans’ wreaths on the headstones of all the local heroes laid to rest there and to bring the community together in patriotic commemoration.

“We are forever grateful for the thousands of supporters who dedicate their time, energy and resources to fulfilling our mission all year long,” said Karen Worcester, executive director of Wreaths Across America. “These individuals and their communities know the value of remembering the fallen, honoring those who currently serve and teaching the next generation about the sacrifices made for our freedom every day.”

Those interested in volunteering for Wreaths Across America or sponsoring a wreath for Essex County Veterans Cemetery are invited to visit www.wreathsacrossamerica.org/ny0464p to learn more.

National Wreaths Across America Day is a free community event.