The Friends of the Wareham Veterans Council laid wreaths at several town monuments and cemeteries on Dec. 14 in honor of those who served.

The action was inspired by National Wreaths Across America Day, a holiday where wreath-laying ceremonies are carried out at Arlington National Cemetery and more than 1,400 additional locations across the United States.

Bob Powilatis of the Friends of the Wareham Veterans Council spearheaded the effort in what he said was an attempt to bring a sense of patriotism and respect closer to home. Wreaths Across Wareham will now become an annual event, he said.

Powilatis was a key figure in the creation of the Hero’s Circle monument in Bourne which was erected this October, just outside the Massachusetts National Cemetery.

“We’ll be laying wreaths at the monument and national cemetery tomorrow,” Powilatis said. “So why not do the same thing at home?”

Members of the Wareham-New Bedford Lodge of Elks, Knights of Columbus and American Legion also pitched in to help lay the wreaths.

“We’ve been met with amazing support,” Powilatis said. “I’m extremely thankful that everyone is always so willing to help.”