Wreaths are usually laid on monuments in November and hung on buildings in December, but a veterans group wants to start a new tradition.
Wreaths Across Canada laid wreaths on the graves of nearly 3,000 Canadian veterans Sunday at Ottawa's National Military Cemetery.
The group said it wants to make this an annual event and eventually spread it across the country, inspired by a similar tradition in the United States.
"I saw the wreaths on the headstones in Arlington (Virginia)," said Craig McPhee, who founded the group in 2007. "I'm going to ask you to look at all the headstones today with all the wreaths on, and you'll see why – it's so beautiful."
Veterans and their families said it's a great gesture.
"I think it's a great honour," said Kevin Wilband, the father of a fallen soldier. "Just something extra for all the military who served who are buried here and throughout Canada."
"It's a reminder that a lot of people give their lives for this country, and freedom is not free," said veteran Daniel Drapeau.
Hundreds of people came to the ceremony and said it was a fitting way to celebrate Christmas.
"They're still part of the family, they're still brothers and sisters," said veteran George Villeneuve. "The least we can do is celebrate Christmas with them."
"This is really my Christmas, because I feel close to him here," said widow Elizabeth Bolton.
Wreaths Across Canada said they hope this can become an annual event on the first Sunday of December.
They said their goal is to one day see wreaths on the graves of the over 225,000 veterans buried in Canada on that day.
With a report from CTV Ottawa's Claudia Cautillo
