Another yearlong effort will come to a conclusion Saturday with the placing of wreaths and the annual Wreaths Across America ceremony at Albert G. Horton Jr. Memorial Veterans Cemetery in Suffolk.

This space has carried due praise for the professionalism and dignity of the cemetery and gratefulness for its location in Suffolk many times in the past. But today, we pause especially to recognize the annual event that will happen Saturday and encourage you to attend, if you were not already planning on doing so.

On Saturday, thousands of live evergreen wreaths with a red bow will be placed on every single gravesite at the cemetery — approximately 9,500 of them. The official Wreaths Across America ceremony will commence at noon, the same time as numerous similar ceremonies all across the country.

By the time Saturday’s ceremony is over, hundreds and hundreds of people will have played a role in honoring these thousands of veterans and their family members. Those people include many generous donors, more than 100 dedicated wreath-fluffers, drivers, the motorcycle escorts, the inimitable staff at the Albert G. Horton Jr. Memorial Veterans Cemetery, the active-duty military who will pay respects with appropriate solemnity, the volunteers who will show up in their winter gear on Saturday morning and, of course, the Horton Wreath Society members themselves, who orchestrate this effort practically year-round.

To all of these people, we say thank you. Thank you for ensuring that each and every person buried at Albert G. Horton Jr. Memorial Veterans Cemetery is recognized at the holidays. Thank you for your dedication to show up in all kinds of weather. And thank you for your patriotism that makes our country better and propels our country forward each and every day.

The event begins at 9 a.m. There is no parking at the cemetery; those wishing to attend must meet shuttle buses at King’s Fork High School beginning at 7 a.m.