A national tradition came to Orange County Saturday.

The Wreaths Across America campaign provides opportunities for volunteers to honor veterans and fallen service members by placing wreaths at the grave markers of veterans for the holidays. More than 3,000 wreaths were laid in Orange County. 

"This community has come out in full force support the veterans locally that are buried here, and let everyone know that here in Orange County we won't forget our veterans," says Orange County Veterans Service Agency Director.

For many of those who came to celebrate Saturday's event, it was not only personal, but emotional. 

Gold Star parents Bob and Vivian Allen's son Louis was killed while serving as a first lieutenant in the Army. The Tuxedo teacher left behind a wife, four boys and a still-grieving family.

The family has laid wreaths at West Point ceremonies over the years, but seeing the community supporting their son and others feels even more special. They started a foundation and scholarship to give back to the community that helped them, and to honor their son's memory. 

"We miss him," says Allen. "We miss him every day. It's 12 and a half years since he's gone and certain things—we just cry constantly about missing him so much."