The Patriot Guard Riders motorcycle group will host the annual Wreaths Across America Day ceremony starting at 9 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 15, at San Joaquin Valley National Cemetery, 32053 W. McCabe Road, in Gustine.

The riders attend funerals of U.S. Armed Forces members, police and firefighters when invited by the deceased person’s family.

Participants will place seven ceremonial wreaths at the cemetery to honor soldiers, sailors, airmen and Marines.

The ceremony will be coordinated simultaneously at more than 750 locations in the United States. It is estimated that 150,000 volunteers will place more than 400,000 wreaths nationwide during ceremonies this year.

Wreaths Across America began more than 20 years ago with the Worcester Wreath Co. from Harrington, Maine, which donated wreaths to be placed on headstones at Arlington National Cemetery.

The number of wreaths to be delivered to San Joaquin Valley National Cemetery this year is not known, and sponsorships for this year’s wreaths ended at the end of November. However, donations are being taken for the 2013 ceremony.

For information: Gaylene Ramos, 604-0921 or 656-8323; or Julia Nilos, 562-706-5592.