Truckers once again to deliver wreaths for graves of veterans across U.S.

The convoy to deliver memorial wreaths from Maine to Arlington National Cemetery gets under way Saturday, Dec. 10, and includes, among others, tractor-trailers from 12 different carriers.

The official route, which can be viewed here, will travel down the East Coast stopping at schools, memorials, and other locations along the way to spread the year-long mission of Wreaths Across America to remember the fallen, honor those that serve and their families, and teach the next generation the value of freedom. Stops with public events will be held in Maine, New Hampshire, Connecticut, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland, and Washington D.C., before arriving at Arlington National Cemetery on the morning of Saturday, Dec. 17 – National Wreaths Across America Day.

The Escort to Arlington will include tractor-trailers from:

  • Schneider National
  • Gully Transportation
  • Witte Bros. Exchange, Inc.
  • Hartt Transportation Systems, Inc.
  • Delhaize Transportation LLC (DBA Hannaford Supermarkets)
  • American Trucking Associations – Workforce Heroes
  • Pottle’s Transportation
  • Cargo Transporters, Inc.
  • Boyd Grain Inc.
  • Hampton Roads Moving & Storage
  • Prime Inc.
  • Tyson Foods, Inc.

These companies will haul a portion of the sponsored veterans’ wreaths heading to Arlington National Cemetery for placement on Dec. 17. Additionally, Load One Carriers will once again serve as the ceremonial wreath transporter for the escort.

For the eighth year in a row Chevrolet will provide the Wreaths Across America wrapped escort vehicles, transporting participating Gold Star families and veterans. In addition, Chevrolet has also donated 4,000 veterans’ wreaths for placement at Arlington National Cemetery.

Participants for this year’s Escort to Arlington will include Gold Star Families – including the National President of American Gold Star Mothers, Inc., Sarah Whitehouse Taylor – Blue Star Families, volunteers, and veterans representing many eras and local veteran service organizations such as the VFW, American Legion, Disabled American Veterans, VFW Auxiliary, and the American Legion Auxiliary.

Members of the Patriot Guard Riders and Patriot Riders, and law enforcement from departments across Maine and other states along the route will provide escort to ensure safe transport for all participants throughout the week.

In total, nearly 257,000 sponsored wreaths are needed to reach the goal of placing a wreath on every eligible marker at Arlington National Cemetery. To sponsor a $15 veteran’s wreath for placement this year, visit www.wreathsacrossamerica.org/ARLING.