Tahoma National Cemetery hosts Wreaths Across America (WAA), a holiday wreath-laying ceremony on Saturday, Dec. 15 to honor and remember the nation’s veterans.

The ceremony begins at 9 a.m. at the cemetery’s flag pole assembly area, 18600 SE 240th St., Kent.

This year’s theme, Be Their Witness, stems from the 2009 drama “Taking Chance,” which was based on the experiences of U.S. Marine Lt. Col. Michael Strobl, who escorted the body of a fallen Marine, private Chance Phelps, back to his hometown in Wyoming from the Iraq War.

Chaplain Lt. Col. William Adam, U.S. Air Force Academy/Civil Air Patrol, will emcee the event. Marine Col. Jay Rodne, 5th Congressional District representative, will be the key note speaker. Covington Mayor Jeff Wagner will provide the opening remarks and read the city proclamation.

WAA’s mission – Remember, Honor, Teach – is carried out in part by coordinating wreath-laying ceremonies at Arlington, Va., as well as at veterans’ cemeteries and other locations in all 50 states and beyond. The Washington Civil Air Patrol, Veterans service organizations and citizens are coordinating the event to honor veterans of each branch of the military, the Merchant Marine and Prisoners of War and those still Missing in Action (POW/MIA).

For more information, visit wreathsacrossamerica.org and cem.va.gov.