More than 100,000 wreaths are making their way from Maine to Virginia to be placed on graves at the Arlington National Cemetery and the Wreaths Across America Convoy is helping them get there.
Twenty-one years ago the Worcester Wreath Company started the tradition and it has grown each year. This year, the Truckload Carriers Association joined forces with Wreaths Across America to help more truck drivers get involved.
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“Without the support of trucking companies, the countless lives that we’ve already honored through our work would not have been possible,” said Karen Worcester, executive director, Wreaths Across America. “This collaboration further solidifies the tremendously positive relationship we’ve had with the trucking community for years now, and is indicative of their belief in the value of our cause. With partners like TCA, we are that much closer to the day when we can pay personal tribute to every fallen veteran.”
On Sunday, volunteers received a crowded, patriotic send-off ceremony at Dysarts Truck Stop.
Wreaths Across America Founder Morrill Worchester told WABI “I was telling the driver that drove us, I’ve never waved to so many people.”
“I’ve talked about it all year, the patriotism that you see along the route really makes you proud to be an American,” Maine’s First Lady and second-year volunteer Ann LePage told the station.
The convoy will stop at many locations along the route. On Saturday, the convoy will arrive at Arlington to lay the wreaths.
In addition, hundreds of thousands of wreaths will be placed at cemeteries across the country and around the world.