AUSTIN, Texas -- More than 1 million holiday wreaths were laid on the graves of veterans across our county over the past few weeks.

Now, those wreaths at the Texas State Cemetery have been collected by dozens of volunteers.

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For some, the experience of collecting the wreaths was emotional. Kent Latting is a 20-year veteran and served in the Vietnam War. Even though he never knew the people buried at the gravesites, he said they are his brothers and sisters.

"I remember all the times I was gone - a year in Vietnam, a year in Korea - and I remember all the people that made the life worthwhile and interesting and fun,” Latting said. 

All of the wreaths will be turned into reusable compost by Texas Disposal Systems. The compost will be used throughout the community for many years to come.