There’s something magical about Christmas. Despite the crowds and stress, people seem more cheerful, more giving. Each year, drivers across America display this cheer and goodwill by donating their time to Wreaths Across America.
This year, drivers helped deliver a record number of wreaths to be placed at veteran’s graves.
“Truckload Carriers Association (TCA) members and other trucking companies have made it possible for hundreds of thousands of fresh remembrance wreaths to be placed upon veterans’ graves at Arlington National Cemetery and at nearly 900 other cemeteries nationwide on December 14, 2013, known as National Wreaths Across America Day,” the TCA said.
In 1992, Morrill Worchester, owner of Worchester Wreath Company of Harrington, Maine, donated a surplus of unsold wreaths to veteran’s gravestones. That kind act became a tradition that grew into Wreaths Across America, a non-profit organization that was created to “remember, honor and teach” about the service and sacrifices our veterans and their families have made for our country.
“Wreaths Across America Day is an enormous effort that depends heavily on trucks, trailers, professional drivers, a dispatching system, and plenty of wreath sponsorships,” said Karen Worcester, Morrill’s wife and the executive director of WAA.
“We know that the cost of operating trucking equipment is expensive—especially fuel. Yet, since TCA and its members got involved, we’ve been able to place wreaths at 900 veterans’ cemeteries across the nation—up nearly 100 locations from last year. That’s more than 500,000 soldiers that will be honored this year with a remembrance wreath. It’s an amazing commitment that truly shows what values the trucking industry stands for.”
Weeks before National Wreaths Across America Day, the TCA reached out to its members to ensure that all the needs could be met. The TCA says the response was “extraordinary.”
“Trucks, trailers, and professional drivers were offered readily (a list of participating motor carriers can be found at www.truckload.org/2013-Volunteer-Trucking-Companies). One carrier that could not provide a truck offered to pay for one from another company, including its fuel. TransCore of Beaverton, Oregon, a TCA member, made a special effort to call trucking companies to recruit volunteers. Other industry organizations, like Alexandria, Virginia-based Transportation Intermediaries Association, also a TCA member, sent out pleas for help to their own membership,” the TCA said.
Next year will be Arlington National Cemetery’s 150th anniversary. To help honor all who rest there with a wreath, please make a donation at http://www.truckloadofrespect.com/.
Photos: Click here.