Wreaths Across America (WAA) is reintroducing its virtual convoy initiative for 2024, known as Truckloads of Remembrance.
This program aims to fill an entire virtual tractor-trailer with sponsored veterans’ wreaths from all 50 states, as stated in a recent press release.
A significant number of hometown heroes from across the nation rest in Arlington, where more than 260,000 eligible markers await veterans’ wreaths. Each wreath placed represents a servicemember whose name will be spoken and honored during National Wreaths Across America Day.
“By registering as a payback group, each organization can raise funds for their local programs while supporting the yearlong mission and honoring local heroes who were not laid to rest locally,” said Karen Worcester, executive director of WAA. “I have long said that it would be disingenuous of us as an organization whose mission is to Remember, Honor, and Teach if we do not support those giving back in their communities throughout the year.”
In its inaugural year, 36 state trucking associations participated in the program. In 2023, the virtual convoy facilitated the sponsorship of 7,129 veterans’ wreaths, nearly equivalent to two full trailer loads, for placement on National Wreaths Across America Day.
“WAA looks forward to the growth of the state association program in 2024 and will continue to raise awareness and support the mission across the country,” the news release states. “This year, WAA aims to expand this impactful initiative, renamed Truckload of Remembrance and invites all national transportation associations and other industry nonprofits to join in supporting honoring servicemembers with sponsored veterans’ wreaths for placement by volunteers at Arlington National Cemetery on National Wreaths Across America Day, which is on Saturday, Dec. 14.”
Courtney George, Director of Transportation and Industry Relations for Wreaths Across America, will deliver a presentation on Truckloads of Remembrance and how to engage with the initiative at MATs. The presentation is scheduled for 1:30 p.m. on Saturday, March 23rd.
Source: The Trucker
