Eric McColley, 23, died when his helicopter crashed in Africa in 2006. He had already served in the Marines for five years, including a tour in Iraq, and planned to make it a career.

The McColleys purchased the wreaths with money raised through the Sgt. Mac Foundation, a nonprofit they formed in honor of their son. ABF Trucking transported the wreaths to Quantico free of charge.

Dozens of volunteers gathered at the cemetery on a chilly day to help lay the greenery and show support for the McColleys and gratitude to the veterans who gave their lives.

"These people served our country, so it’s always good to give back," said Jake Roberts, 17, of Spotsylvania, Va., who helped lay the wreaths with members of the Quantico Young Marines. "They made the ultimate sacrifice."

Second Year & Growing

This was the second year the McColleys laid wreaths at the cemetery. They did so for the first time last year.

It started when the McColleys put a wreath on their son’s grave one week and then the following week they brought a fresh wreath to put in its place.

With a gathering of volunteers looking on, John and Susan McColley place the first wreath at the headstone of their son, Eric, at the Quantico National Cemetery.