How Wreaths Across America and Trucking Honor Fallen Veterans

Wreaths Across America (WAA), a nonprofit organization founded in 2007, works tirelessly to honor U.S. veterans who have passed. Known for its annual wreath-laying ceremonies at veterans' gravesites each December, WAA’s mission is threefold: remember the fallen, honor those who serve, and educate future generations about the value of freedom. WAA’s work would not be possible without the crucial support of the trucking industry, which mobilizes resources, drivers, and equipment each year to deliver wreaths across the country.

Courtney George, Director of Transportation and Industry Relations at WAA, emphasizes the essential role the trucking industry plays, stating, “They wholeheartedly make a huge difference. We couldn’t do what we do—we couldn’t remember so many very deserving souls—if it wasn’t for the trucking industry.”

National Wreaths Across America Day

Each December, WAA coordinates wreath-laying ceremonies across thousands of cemeteries nationwide as part of National Wreaths Across America Day, which Congress designates annually. This year’s observance will take place on December 14, with wreaths placed on veterans’ graves in over 4,800 cemeteries throughout all 50 states and territories. WAA’s “Honor Fleet”—made up of drivers and companies that transport wreaths—will deliver approximately 814 truckloads of wreaths in time for the ceremonies.

Arlington National Cemetery, the largest cemetery in the U.S. National Cemetery System, holds special significance for WAA. Each year, WAA’s Escort to Arlington program organizes 14 trucks to transport wreaths to Arlington. Along the way, these trucks stop at schools, churches, veteran service organizations, and other locations, spreading awareness and fostering community engagement. This year’s Escort to Arlington schedule includes stops at multiple institutions and landmarks, bringing together communities to honor those who served.

Programs Supporting Veterans and Youth Education

Beyond wreath-laying, WAA facilitates other impactful programs that involve both state trucking associations and the broader community.

1. Truckloads of Remembrance WAA’s Truckloads of Remembrance program, which supports wreath sponsorships at Arlington National Cemetery, encourages each state to raise funds for a full tractor-trailer load of wreaths (around 5,000). This initiative is powered by state trucking associations and their communities, creating a virtual convoy for Arlington that helps honor servicemembers in a meaningful way.
2. TEACH Program WAA’s TEACH Program provides free educational resources that offer youth across the country a deeper understanding of the history of American military service. Developed by retired teacher Cindy Tatum, a former president of American Gold Star Mothers Inc., the TEACH Program has been downloaded over 25,000 times this year, helping educators incorporate patriotic lessons into their classrooms. The curriculum emphasizes respect for veterans and encourages young people to appreciate the sacrifices made for their freedoms.
3. Stem to Stone Race Held each July in Maine, the Stem to Stone race is a community-centered fundraising event that strengthens bonds within the WAA community. Each registration sponsors a wreath for National Wreaths Across America Day, while the event itself brings together participants from various sectors, including education and trucking, all united by patriotism. According to George, “There’s a huge level of patriotism that happens during Stem to Stone… It’s great because it brings people from all facets of what we do.”

Trucking’s Commitment to Veterans and Patriotism

The trucking industry’s involvement with WAA goes far beyond just transporting wreaths. More than 300 carriers participated in WAA’s Honor Fleet in 2023 alone, and numerous other trucking companies across the U.S. lend support to WAA’s initiatives each year. George highlights the unique solidarity of the trucking community: “What I love about the trucking industry is how often they come together; how they all work together and make it their mission to help, whether it’s in their own community or in Arlington National Cemetery.”

In addition to its wreath-laying events, WAA engages in various activities year-round to honor veterans, from placing flags on graves for Memorial Day to organizing educational outreach events. As Veterans Day approaches, WAA representatives, including George, attend conferences and community gatherings, often involving the trucking industry, to ensure veterans are honored.

A Year-Round Commitment to Remember, Honor, and Teach

Wreaths Across America’s collaboration with the trucking industry exemplifies the collective power of organizations united by a shared mission. By working together, WAA and its partners not only honor the legacy of American servicemembers but also teach the next generation the importance of freedom. With ongoing support from the trucking community, WAA’s commitment to remembering, honoring, and teaching about veterans continues to grow each year, spreading patriotism across generations.

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Source:

https://www.fleetowner.com/news/article/55241594/honoring-veterans-the-crucial-role-of-trucking-in-wreaths-across-america-day