Photo courtesy of Marilyn Baker Mego

Before 2009, National Wreaths Across America Day was celebrated at cemeteries across the country, but not at the DFW National Cemetery.

It was that year that Frisco residents Chris and Mary Bush lost their son, Army Cpl. Peter Courcy, in Afghanistan. Ever since, the couple has made it their mission to one day lay a wreath on the grave of all 44,000 veterans buried in the cemetery.

"Someday we're going to be able to give each grave site a wreath," volunteer Marilyn Baker Mego said. "And it's just going to be a glorious day."

Last year, about 1,000 volunteers placed 10,000 wreaths on graves. Bush hopes this year will be even bigger, and participants from every community in the Metroplex, including Arlington, are needed to make it happen.

Individuals, families, and businesses can donate wreaths on the DFW National Wreaths Across America website. Each wreath is $15 and can be purchased in honor or in memory of a loved one. For every two wreaths donated, the national organization donates an additional three.

Then on December 11, 2015, volunteers will gather to distribute the wreaths across the cemetery for the December 12 ceremony. Volunteers will meet Saturday, December 12 at 10:45 a.m. at the DFW National Cemetery, 2000 Mountain Creek Pkwy. Dallas, 72511. The ceremony begins at 10:50, and they start laying wreaths around 11:30. For the first time this year, weather permitting, the ceremony will include a fly over. Volunteers will also be needed January 20 for cleanup.

To sign up as a volunteer, please call either Chris Bush at 972-668-2874 or Marilyn Baker Mego at 817-228-9571.

The mission of Wreaths Across America is "remember, honor, teach." Chris Bush said it's this mission that motivates his passion to coordinate the event. 11 days before his son Peter was killed, his son Luke was born. He said teaching his now six year old son about the value of honoring service and sacrifice is partly what drives him.

"I think it's just as much for [Luke] as it is for Peter," Bush said. "We feel like God knew what we needed, and he gave us that gift."

Bush said this ceremony is different from others because people get to really participate by laying wreaths on grave sites, and get the chance to read the tombstone, learn, and honor our fallen heroes. He said this is a day to celebrate people's lives and accomplishments.

"Not many people go out to the cemetery for an uplifting event, but this is an uplifting event," Bush said.