ARLINGTON, Va. — More than 44,000 volunteers braved cold temperatures and freezing rain to set hundreds of thousands of donated wreaths at headstones at Arlington National Cemetery.

The Wreaths Across America project has become an annual tradition at Arlington. It began in 1992 when Worcester Wreath Company of Harrington, Maine,  donated 5,000 surplus wreaths to the cemetery.

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Maine State Police Detective Chad Lindsey pauses at a friend's grave in Section 60 as he carries a wreath to be placed at another grave, during Wreaths Across America at Arlington National Cemetery, Saturday, Dec. 17, 2016 in Arlington, Va. Organizers estimate more than 245,000 wreaths were placed at graves throughout the cemetery. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon) AP Photo/Alex Brandon

Ice is seen on trees as volunteers place wreaths at graves during Wreaths Across America at Arlington National Cemetery, Saturday, Dec. 17, 2016 in Arlington, Va. Organizers estimate more than 245,000 wreaths were placed at graves throughout the cemetery. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)

Volunteer Alyssa Kane of Alexandria, Va., passes out wreaths to be placed at graves as part of Wreaths Across America at Arlington National Cemetery, Saturday, Dec. 17, 2016 in Arlington, Va. Organizers estimate more than 245,000 wreaths were placed at graves throughout the cemetery. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)

Company president Morrill Worcester has said his goal is to remind the public to remember veterans, honor their service, and teach children the value of freedom.

Wreaths Across America spokeswoman Amber Caron said more than 44,000 volunteers helped lay 245,000 wreaths at Arlington on Saturday. The wreaths arrived from the Pine Tree State via motorcade.

Caron says 1.2 million wreaths were placed at nearly 1,230 participating locations across the country.