On Saturday, December 13, millions of volunteers nationwide will come together for Wreaths Across America Day, placing fresh balsam wreaths on the graves of military service members at veterans’ cemeteries across the United States.
Delivering Wreaths and Scholarships
TCA’s goal for 2025 is to fill an entire trailer with approximately 5,000 sponsored wreaths that will be delivered to participating cemeteries in December. Each wreath sponsorship is $17, and when purchased through TCA’s dedicated link, $5 goes directly to the TCA Scholarship Fund, helping students with ties to the truckload industry.
By taking part, supporters are both remembering a veteran and contributing to the future of the trucking community. Details on sponsoring wreaths are available at truckload.org/wreaths-across-america. Those interested in assisting with wreath deliveries can visit wreathsacrossamerica.org/getinvolved/supporttransportation.
Recognizing Professional Drivers
The night before the wreath-laying at Arlington National Cemetery, TCA and Pilot Flying J will host the annual Wreaths Across America Arlington Driver Appreciation Dinner. This year’s gathering is set for Friday, December 12. More than 75 professional drivers and guests will receive a meal and a token of appreciation for their contributions.
“Keep Moving Forward” – The 2025 Theme
Wreaths Across America has chosen “Keep Moving Forward” as its theme for 2025. The words came from Captain Joshua Byers, U.S. Army, moments after an IED struck his Humvee in Fallujah, Iraq, on July 23, 2003.
As Company Commander of Fox Troop in the 2/3 Armored Cavalry Regiment, Byers’ final command to his driver — “Keep moving forward” — saved lives, even though he did not survive. His family and fellow soldiers carried those words as a lasting call to persevere.
“There will always be challenges to overcome as individuals, communities, and a country, but we must keep moving forward together,” said Karen Worcester, executive director of WAA. “This year, we will share not only the Byers’ story of resilience but also the stories of many others who continue to live with purpose every day and have chosen to keep moving forward.”
The Meaning Behind Each Wreath
WAA explains that every wreath placed in honor of a veteran is made from 10 balsam bouquets, each representing qualities America’s veterans embody:
- Belief in a greater good
- Love for one another
- Strength, work ethic, and character
- Honesty and integrity
- Humility, selflessness, and modesty
- Ambitions and aspirations
- Optimism for America
- Concern for the future
- Pride in their duties
- Hopes and dreams, fulfilled or not, with no regrets
Symbolism is woven into every part of the wreath: evergreen boughs for endurance, the fresh scent of balsam for purity and simplicity, a red bow for sacrifice, and its circular shape for eternity.
Image Source: Wreaths Across America
Source: The Trucker
