In an industry built on miles, schedules, and deadlines, there are moments that remind trucking of its deeper purpose. National Wreaths Across America Day, observed this year on December 13, was one of those moments.
Across the country, volunteers gathered at more than 5,500 national cemeteries to place wreaths on the graves of fallen service members. More than three million wreaths were laid by more than three million volunteers, turning a nationwide logistics effort into a shared act of remembrance.
Behind that effort stood the trucking industry.
Moving the Mission Forward One Load at a Time
At Arlington National Cemetery alone, 69 trucks delivered wreaths ahead of the event. Nationwide, more than 325 carriers helped transport nearly 700 loads, ensuring wreaths reached cemeteries in every region.
Those trucks arrived quietly the day before the ceremony, staging across Arlington’s rolling grounds and waiting for volunteers who would later carry each wreath to a headstone. Drivers did not arrive to fanfare or media attention. They arrived to fulfill a responsibility.
Jason Westcoff of NFI made his sixth delivery to Arlington this year. His wife accompanied him, and his jacket and truck bear patches marking each year he has hauled wreaths for the organization.
A Day Marked by Respect and Stillness
Despite the size of the crowd at Arlington, the atmosphere remained subdued. Visitors moved carefully across the grounds, speaking names aloud as they placed wreaths, acknowledging each service member individually.
There were no interviews, no cameras sweeping the crowd, and no distractions overhead. The focus stayed where it belonged, on remembrance.
This quiet respect is intentional and reflects the values of Wreaths Across America, whose mission centers on remembering the fallen, honoring those who serve, and teaching future generations the value of freedom.
Where the Mission Began
That mission traces back to a childhood visit to Arlington National Cemetery.
As a 12-year-old, Morrill Worcester was struck by the scale and meaning of the site. Years later, after building a successful business, Worcester found himself with a surplus of wreaths at the end of the holiday season in 1992. Rather than discard them, he arranged for those wreaths to be placed at Arlington.
The gesture continued quietly for years until 2005, when an image of snow-covered headstones adorned with wreaths circulated online. What had once been a small tribute grew into a national movement.
Why Trucking Matters to Wreaths Across America
As the program expanded, trucking became essential.
Wreaths Across America depends on carriers and drivers to move wreaths from Maine to cemeteries across the country. Without that network, the mission would not scale.
Executive Director Karen Worcester emphasized this reality during this year’s escort, stating twice, “Wreaths Across America would not exist without the support from the nation’s trucking industry.”
Drivers Share Why They Participate
For many drivers, participating is personal.
Brown Dog Carriers driver Steven Bouthillette delivered his first load this year after planning to take part for some time.
“I’ve wanted to be a part of this event for a long time and was scheduled to deliver last year,” explains Bouthillette. “But circumstances came up that changed plans.
“Missing it wasn’t going to happen again though,” he jokes. “I reminded my dispatcher regularly all this year that I would make it to Arlington. And it truly is a privilege to be here this year.”
Schneider driver Patrice Cook has delivered wreaths to Arlington for four consecutive years while driving a Ride of Pride truck that honors military service. Cook herself served nearly 24 years in the Army.
“I’ve been so lucky to attend this event for a few years now, to meet so many great people in the organization and at the Cemetery,” explained Cook. “This is the best load I haul all year. When I tell drivers that and they doubt me, I just say, ‘Do it once, and you’ll see.’”
She added, “But what’s particularly special is that I get to drive this truck all year long.”
Planning Is Already Underway for Next Year
As soon as the 2025 event concluded, planning began for the next one. Organizing National Wreaths Across America Day requires a full year of coordination among volunteers, carriers, and sponsors.
Through December 31, 2025, wreath sponsorships made through registered groups are matched by the organization. Local groups can be found through Wreaths Across America’s group search.
The organization encourages drivers and carriers interested in participating to consider joining the Wreaths Across America Honor Fleet.
“Our volunteers are the beating heart of the program and work year-round to share this important mission and inspire others to join.”
The mission remains unchanged. Remember the fallen. Honor those who serve. Teach the next generation the value of freedom.
Mission accomplished.
Volunteers can plan ahead for December 19, 2026 at participating cemeteries nationwide. Carriers and drivers interested in supporting future events can learn more at wreathsacrossamerica.org.
Source: The Trucker
