This Christmas many families will celebrate without their loved ones who are soldiers, serving our country around the world.
Saturday, across America, people laid Christmas wreaths on tombstones of those who served and passed on.
In Florence, people hung hundreds of wreaths representing memories that will never fade.
A bagpiper played "Amazing Grace." Some say the song gets them through the loss of a loved one who served our country and was willing to give it all.
About 300 people laid wreaths on tombstones of local veterans Saturday.
Cedric Lloyd, 14, remembers his mother, who served in the army, before she died suddenly of unknown causes.
"I'm proud of her because she served our country and helped us to be free," he told NewsChannel 15.
His grandfather, Jerry, a Vietnam veteran, said he's proud his daughter was in the Army, and is proud of those who took the day to remember the veterans.
"We fought in the war, but these people here are our heroes, all of them are heroes," Johnson said.
All of the tombstones at the Florence National Cemetery represent veterans who've died, though not necessarily in war.
"It's in your heart that you want to serve this great country," Doug Cruickshank, a Desert Storm vet, said.
Cruickshank lost ten friends when he fought in Desert Storm, and Saturday he's thankful people are remembering their service.
"A lot of people don't know what these people have done to make this the home of the free because of the brave, and there they all are, our greatest brothers and sisters right here," he said.
One sister in particular, who left some big shoes for her son to fill.
"I do hope to grow up like her so I can serve my country," Cedric Lloyd told NewsChannel 15.
He hopes to join the Army one day, and leave a legacy like his mother.
