(Our first wrapped truck in Laredo, Texas is ready for the trip to Harrington,Maine)
What
is Wreaths Across America: Started by
a tree-farmer in Harrington, Maine, the Worcester Wreath Company is one of the
only hand-made, nationally distributed wreath companies in the world. Owned by Morrill and Karen Worcester, they
started the Wreaths Across America 20 years ago by donating the surplus wreaths
they had that season to Arlington National Cemetery in order to pay tribute to
the fallen soldiers resting there. Morrill
found a local trucker friend who ‘donated’ the transportation of the wreaths
from Maine to Virginia because he also believed that each soldier should be
remembered, especially during the Holiday season. With the mission to remember and honor slain
Veterans across the world, WAA coordinates the laying of hand-made wreaths on
Veterans graves around the world. In the
U.S., special ceremonies occur on a specified Saturday in December (13th)
at Arlington National Cemetery, as well as veterans’ cemeteries and other
locations in all 50 states. They also
organize a week of events including international veteran’s tributes,
ceremonies at State Houses and a week-long “Veteran’s Parade” between Maine and
Virginia where they stop along the way and spread message about the importance
of remembering our fallen heroes, honoring those who serve, and teaching our
children about the sacrifices made by veterans and their families to preserve
our freedoms. Their mantra is Remember,
Honor, Teach.
The
Event: The week-long events kick-off Sunday,
December 7th from Harrington with a convoy of trucks, motorcycles
and cars stopping at designated State Houses, schools and Memorials along the
route toward Arlington. Each ‘leg’ of
this trip has special dignitaries, guests and participants. Trucks split off near Arlington to either
participate in the National Ceremony or make their way toward their designated
coverage area. There are usually smaller
ceremonies along these routes as drivers ‘pass the wreaths’ on to the next
Veteran driver.
Our
Opportunity: Wal-Mart traditionally donates 2 tractor-trailer semis
full of wreaths to cover the local National Cemetery in Fayetteville, Ar. Their total event cost is approximately $90K
for this event. They engage their
employees and coordinate a convoy from their local DC to the cemetery, provide
transportation from Baum stadium to/from the cemetery as well as the usual
support items such as refreshments, restrooms and first-aid.
