Wreaths Across America (WAA), is a national effort that grew thanks to a simple picture of wreaths laid at soldiers graves covered with snow at Arlington National Cemetery. As we head down the East coast from Maine for the 29th time, Last night’s snow-storm is a humble reminder of how our mission to Remember, Honor, and Teach, got started. Today, wreaths are laid at 2,557 participating locations across America, most notably, at Arlington National Cemetery, each December. Our annual weeklong, miles-long parade of tractor trailers, wrapped vehicles carrying veterans and Gold Star Families, law enforcement and motorcycle riders, leading the escort of wreaths to Arlington for placement may look a little different this year (as there is only one symbolic semi carrying 4500 remembrance wreaths) but the mission is the same as it was the very first time we saw snow.
This year’s annual escort of wreaths will have a different look and feel due to the necessary changes being made throughout the country for health and safety. The physical journey – which will includes one tractor trailer load of wreaths hauled by Gully Transportation professional driver JD Walker, who is also a Gold Star Father and NAVY Veteran, 11 wrapped CHEVY vehicles carrying Gold Star Families, and nine police cruisers is on the snowy road now through National Wreaths Across America Day, Saturday, Dec. 19.
“For those who have had the opportunity to participate in the escort of wreaths over the years, it is truly an experience of a lifetime,” said Karen Worcester, executive director, WAA. “The way
we have been welcomed into communities, with flags waving and streets lined with children and veterans, is something we always wished every American could witness. And like the wonderful song that our good friend Don Campbell wrote about this effort, we’re once again doing this for every daughter and every son, beneath the snow in Arlington.”
The WAA escort is still traveling the remaining route below – the nonprofit is asking Americans to plan to come out and wave your flags, share your signs and cheers of encouragement, as it travels through your community.
Thursday, December 17
- 1:00PM Arrive at Holy Rosary Church (The Guardian of the Defenders Memorial)
3200 Philadelphia Pike, Claymont, DE 19703
- 3:30PM Arrive at Whitehall Village
801 Mapleton Ave., Middletown, DE 19709
- 6:00PM Arrive at American Legion Post 278 Kent Island
800 Romancoke Rd, Stevensville, MD 21666
Friday, December 18
- Virtual Event 6:30-8:30PM – Watch LIVE on Wreaths Across America Official Facebook Page
These parade stops will be held with safety in mind as we ask citizens to tune in to the local radio dials listed below and hear real-time updates from Wreaths Across America Radio who will be traveling in the escort.
Delaware
- Parade past Holy Rosary Church, Guardians of the Defenders Memorial, Claymont, DE – 90.5 FM
- Whitehall Village, Middletown, DE – 90.5 FM
Maryland
- American Legion Post 278 Kent Island, Stevensville, MD – 90.3 FM
Washington DC
- 90.5 FM
To find a cemetery near you to support or to learn how local events are being modified for safety in your community click here.
You can sponsor a wreath for $15 at https://www.wreathsacrossamerica.org/. Each sponsorship goes toward a fresh balsam veteran’s wreath that will be placed on the headstone of an American hero as we endeavor to honor all veterans laid to rest on Saturday, December 19, 2020, as part of National Wreaths Across America Day. You can text WREATH to 20222 to sponsor a wreath for Arlington National Cemetery right from your phone.
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About Wreaths Across America
Wreaths Across America is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization founded to continue and expand the annual wreath-laying ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery begun by Maine businessman Morrill Worcester in 1992. The organization’s mission – Remember, Honor, Teach – is carried out in part each year by coordinating wreath-laying ceremonies in December at Arlington, as well as at thousands of veterans’ cemeteries and other locations in all 50 states and beyond. For more information or to sponsor a wreath please visit www.wreathsacrossamerica.org.
About PenFed Credit Union
Established in 1935, Pentagon Federal Credit Union (PenFed) is America’s second-largest federal credit union, serving over 2 million members worldwide with over $26 billion in assets. PenFed Credit Union offers market-leading certificates, checking, credit cards, personal loans, mortgages, auto loans, student loans, and a wide range of other financial services with members’ interests always in mind. PenFed Credit Union is federally insured by the NCUA and is an Equal Housing Lender.
To learn more about PenFed Credit Union, visit PenFed.org, like us on Facebook and follow us @PenFed on Twitter. Interested in working for PenFed? Check us out on LinkedIn. We are proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer.
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