Wreaths Across America: Driving to Remember, Honor, and Teach the Value of Freedom

Truckstop is partnering with Wreaths Across America (WAA) this holiday season to remember and honor veterans across the country by laying a wreath at their gravesites. In doing so, Truckstop is asking for help from the trucking community to transport and/or sponsor wreaths for a coordinated ceremony to thank our veterans and their families for their service.

“This year our transportation partners will assist us in delivering more than two million veterans’ wreaths to be placed on the headstones of our fallen heroes all over the country on December 17, 2022,” said Don Queeney, Wreaths Across America’s Director of Transportation. “We are grateful for the support of companies like Truckstop who are taking the opportunity to give back in recognition of the sacrifice our veterans make, and because of their support we are able to fulfill our mission.”

The 30-year tradition relies heavily on the transportation industry for their success in an unparalleled effort of unity. Truckstop is proud to work alongside WAA for their largest ceremony to date.

What is Wreaths Across America

Wreaths Across America is a volunteer effort that coordinates wreath-laying ceremonies at veteran’s gravesites in Arlington National Cemetery and more than 3,400 participating locations in all 50 states, at sea, and abroad. It was founded by Maine wreath maker, Morrill Worcester to honor U.S. service members and veterans who have sacrificed their time, safety, and even their lives to preserve and protect our freedoms.

The tradition began in 1992 when Worcester’s business, Worcester Wreath Company, had a surplus of wreaths as the holiday season ended. Remembering the profound impact from a childhood trip to Arlington National Cemetery, Worcester arranged for the wreaths to be sent to Arlington and placed at soldier’s tombstones.

The Significance of the Wreath Assembly

A veteran’s wreath is made from ten evergreen bouquets, each carefully crafted to exemplify what it means to be a veteran.

Each wreath bouquet stands for a veteran’s:

1. Belief in greater good.
2. Love for one another.
3. Strengths, work ethic, and character.
4. Honesty and integrity.
5. Humility, selflessness, and modesty.
6. Ambitions and aspirations.
7. Optimism for their fellow Americans and their country.
8. Concern for the future and for future generations.
9. Pride to carry out their duties.
10. Hopes and dreams that may not have come true, but are left with no regrets.

Each completed wreath symbolizes honor, respect, and victory and is personal gift to an American hero.

How Can You Help

Sponsor a Wreath

By sponsoring a wreath, your financial contribution ensures that a hand-crafted wreath of all-American balsam, hand-tied with a red velvet bow, will be sent to the cemetery of your choice for the ceremony. Before laying each wreath, a volunteer will say the veteran’s name to ensure his or her legacy of duty, service, and sacrifice is never forgotten.

Transport Wreaths

Transportation partners are needed to get the wreaths to their designated locations. If you’re interested in helping, Wreaths Across America will help you find an available load that meets your fleet’s preferences.

The following open lanes are currently available:

Columbia Falls, Maine to:

• Minnesota: One stop, at Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery
• Jackson, MS: Dock to dock, one stop (more than one of these available)
• Greensboro, NC: Dock to dock, one stop

San Jose, California distribution center to:

• Three stops in central California

Thanks to the support of generous donors, funds may be available to offset fuel costs for independent truckers wanting to participate.

“We are very proud to be a part of the Wreaths Across America mission in helping transportation partners assist in delivering more than two million wreaths to remember our nation’s fallen heroes,” said Kendra Tucker, Chief Executive Officer, Truckstop. “Supporting the freight transportation community in partnership with such a respected institution is at the core of who we are at Truckstop. We provide important tools to help our customers all across the U.S. move their businesses forward and to be able to help move Wreaths Across America’s mission to Remember, Honor, and Teach forward as well, is an honor.”

America would not be the great nation it is without our veterans. With Wreaths Across America, we are able to say “thank you” to veterans and their families in a small way during this very special time of year.

Learn more about how to sponsor a wreath, be a transportation partner, or volunteer by visiting Wreaths Across America.