A parade of tractor-trailers is expected to trek down the East Coast to Arlington National Cemetery as part of the Wreaths Across America tribute to the nation’s fallen soldiers.
Hailed as the “Escort to Arlington,” a dozen rigs are expected to participate in the convoy starting Dec.10, with scheduled events in Maine, New Hampshire, Connecticut, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland, and Washington D.C., before arriving at Arlington National Cemetery on National Wreaths Across America Day, Saturday, Dec. 17. Daily events are planned along the route at schools, war memorials, fire departments, and American Legion halls, among others.
“For me, the Escort to Arlington is the culmination of another year of sharing the mission to Remember, Honor and Teach across this country. I say it every year, but it is truly an experience of a lifetime,” Wreaths Across America executive director Karen Worcester reportedly said. “The way the mission and these families and veterans are welcomed into communities, with flags waving and streets lined with children and grateful Americans, is something we always wished every person could witness. This year we’re hoping that supporters will once again join us in safely lining the roadways and welcoming the escort into their communities.”
J.D. Walker, a 37-year trucker, participates in Wreath Across America each year as a way to honor his fallen son. Marine Lance Cpl. Jeffrey D. Walker was reportedly killed in Iraq on May 14, 2007. Delivering wreaths and educating people about the ultimate sacrifice soldiers make brings the elder Walker solace.
“I do this to honor our fallen veterans and all the veterans throughout the U.S. that are active, inactive and in the reserves. This brings me a lot of comfort to do this every year. It’s a way to honor, respect and teach,” Walker reportedly said. “My company is fully supportive of our veterans, and they know about my son. In fact, back in 2019, they surprised me with a fully wrapped military truck as a tribute, to honor him and all the unsung military heroes.”
Upwards of 2.5 million wreaths are expected to be delivered starting from Maine, reaching more than 3,700 cemeteries. Wreaths Across America has become a time-honored tradition in all 50 states and U.S. territories, including Guam, Puerto Rico and Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. As many as 80,000 volunteers have laid wreaths at grave sites in Arlington National Cemetery, along with hundreds of thousands across the land.
Schneider National, Gully Transportation, Witte Bros. Exchange, Hartt Transportation Systems, Delhaize Transportation (Hannaford Supermarkets), American Trucking Associations – Workforce Heroes, Pottle’s Transportation, Cargo Transporters, Boyd Grain, Hampton Roads Moving & Storage, Prime, and Tyson Foods have all thrown support behind Wreaths Across America with in-kind donations that include Class 8 vehicles and volunteer truckers. Load One Carriers is scheduled to serve as the ceremonial wreath transporter for the Escort.
Nearly 257,000 sponsored wreaths are needed to place a wreath on every eligible marker at Arlington National Cemetery. To sponsor a $15 veteran’s wreath for placement this year, visit Wreaths Across America. To show support during the 12-truck convoy or to attend an event, visit Escort to Arlington.
Sources: prnewswire.com, ttnews.com, wreathsacrossamerica.com
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