Our Lead Horse Is Ready!

(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 (13^th) 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 7^th 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.