Truckers' Most Meaningful Haul: Wreaths Across America
Friday, Dec 6, 2024 7:37 am ET
Every year, during the busiest period of the transportation sector, a unique mission brings together professional drivers and trucking companies nationwide - Wreaths Across America. This event, taking place in November and December, unites drivers in an effort of unparalleled unity, making it a deeply meaningful and engaging experience for truckers.
The Wreaths Across America mission is to remember, honor, and teach by laying wreaths on the graves of veterans at Arlington National Cemetery and other participating locations across the country. In 2023 alone, 717 truckloads of wreaths were delivered, representing 332 different carriers and partners. This immense logistical challenge requires meticulous planning and coordination, as well as a positive, "can-do" work ethic from drivers.
Many drivers participating in the mission are military veterans themselves, making the transport of veterans' wreaths the most precious cargo they've ever handled. This personal connection fosters a sense of patriotism and respect for fellow veterans, as seen with WWC, Inc., a family-based trucking company in Maine. Their dedication to the mission is so remarkable that they dedicate their entire fleet of drivers every year, pausing their usual compost hauling for Coast of Maine Organic Products.
The mission also fosters a deep sense of camaraderie and unity among truckers. With over 4,200 participating locations in 2024, drivers form connections at cemeteries and stay in touch throughout the year. The shared experience of honoring veterans through wreath deliveries strengthen bonds between truckers, creating a familial atmosphere.
Despite the challenges faced during the mission, such as the immense scale and the timing around the holiday season, truckers maintain a strong commitment to the cause. The mission allows drivers to give back to their communities by honoring fallen veterans, providing a sense of fulfillment and purpose.

As the transportation sector continues to evolve, the Wreaths Across America mission serves as a testament to the power of unity and the importance of honoring our nation's heroes. The trucking industry's commitment to this event showcases the sector's resilience and capacity for positive impact.
In conclusion, the Wreaths Across America mission offers truckers an opportunity to engage in a deeply meaningful and purposeful event during one of the busiest periods in the transportation sector. By uniting drivers and fostering a sense of camaraderie, the mission highlights the importance of honoring our nation's veterans and the power of community involvement. As the mission continues to grow, so does the positive impact it has on truckers and communities across the country.