Photo: Mary Cowan, organizer of the Wreaths Across America ceremony, stands beside her husband, Tip Cowan, who presented the wreath honoring the U.S. Army. (More photos can be viewed on the Photo Essay page.)

A Wreaths Across America ceremony was held Saturday morning at Fort Bayard National Cemetery.

The event, which features wreaths to honor the U.S. Armed Forces branches of service, on this occasion, also included those who have served at Fort Bayard.

The ceremony took place at cemeteries and state capitals at the same hour throughout the U.S. The wreaths are a holiday tradition that has been translated to honor veterans and those who have served in the branches of service.

The event was brought to Fort Bayard by an El Paso resident, Ron Groves, who has now moved to Houston. Because Groves could no longer perform the service, Gold Star Mother and Silver City resident Mary Cowan organized the event and called on two veterans to assist Armando Amador of the Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 358 and Robert Lopez of the Oglesby-Gaffney Marine Corps League Detachment 1328.

Amador served as the master of ceremonies. He also read a prepared statement and said: "We shall remember. Freedom must be fought for and protected. Hand it on to your children, so they do not forget," part of a quote from President Ronald Reagan.

The Vietnam Veterans Color Guard posted the colors, while the Marine Corp League Honor Guard stood at attention.

Valdeen Wooton, director of the female singing group Hi Lo Silvers led the pledge of allegiance.

Volunteer singers from the Hi Lo Silvers sang "The Star-Spangled Banner" and later in the program sang "America, the Beautiful."

Groups presented wreaths. Each will be represented by a photograph.

Cowan told the Beat she appreciated the effort of those who made the ceremony possible.

"It's a simple ceremony, but moving and effective," she said.

She also thanked the volunteer singers from the Hi Lo Silvers for participating.