Trucking Industry Transports Wreaths Across America
Several companies, associations and fleets in the trucking industry are once again participating in the Wreaths Across America cause, honoring veterans who have died by placing a wreath on their graves.
by Staff
December 15, 2016
Photo via Wreaths Across America
3 min to read
Photo via Wreaths Across America
Several companies, associations, and fleets in the trucking industry are once again participating in the Wreaths Across America cause, honoring veterans who have died by placing a wreath on their graves.
Every year, Wreaths Across America coordinates wreath-laying ceremonies at Arlington National Cemetery and at more than 1,100 other locations in all 50 U.S. states, at sea, and abroad. This year, the wreath laying ceremony will take place on Dec. 17 and, as in past years, the trucking industry has pledged its support to the holiday cause.
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Efforts like the Truckload Carriers Association’s Truckload of Respect, which organizes carriers to deliver wreaths to veteran’s cemeteries nationwide, are pivotal to the cause of honoring the sacrifices of veterans everywhere during the holiday season.
The American Trucking Associations participated in the wreath laying activities, helping to deliver the wreaths to Arlington National Cemetery. ATA’s Share the Road Highway Safety Program joined a convoy of trucks to deliver the wreaths from Maine to Arlington, Va.
Driving the program’s Mack Pinnacle, truck drivers Ralph Garcia and Nate McCarty also participated in engaging education sessions for students and communities to learn about the trucking industry’s importance and the need to honor the nation’s military veterans.
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“As a veteran and as a truck driver, I feel tremendous pride knowing that the load I’m carrying will be used to honor and show gratitude to such a deserving group of Americans” said McCarty, a driver for ABF Freight. “In my past experiences as part of this convoy, I’ve met Gold Star Mothers and heard moving stories of heroism, and I look forward to sharing this journey with my friends in the trucking community.”
A. Duie Pyle is participating this year by transporting wreaths to the cemetery in Oxford, Penn. Three of Pyle’s drivers volunteered to participate in the wreath laying ceremony that involved 1,200 veterans, each grave honored with a wreath.
Fleet management solutions company Omnitracs gave $25,000 to Wreaths Across America for the purchase of 2,500 wreaths. The company has donated $175,000 to the cause to date.
“Our involvement in Wreaths Across America has grown over the years and it’s an organization we’re proud to be able to support,” said John Graham, Navy veteran and CEO of Omnitracs. “We’re committed not only to honoring veterans through recognition and remembrance but also to helping veterans find success and a career when they return home.”
C.R. England donated time and resources to transporting wreaths this year, participating in the convoy of more than 300 trucks traveling from Maine to Arlington.
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For its Unsung documentary series, Shell Rotella recognized Wreaths Across America, highlighting the effort by truckers to continue the annual initiative. The short video provides a glimpse into the efforts of Morrill Worcester, owner of Worcester Wreath Company and founder of Wreaths Across America. To watch the new documentary, click here.
Freight tracking software company MacroPoint announced that it is tracking the wreath carrying convoy, making it possible for the Wreaths Across America dispatch operation to follow the progress of the trucks, traveling to locations across the country. MacroPoint is also tracking the convoy to Arlington National Cemetery on a dedicated Wreaths Across America Tracking Page, which features a map that is updated every hour with the location of the trucks.
“Delivering over 1.2 million wreaths is a massive undertaking that couldn't be done without the trucking industry,” said Glynn Spangenberg, senior vice president and general manager of MacroPoint. “The logistics, trucks and fuel, as well as the driver's time, is all donated by trucking companies.”
You can find a location and fundraising group near you with a tool on the organization's website.
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