What has become known as the country’s longest veterans’ parade – Wreaths Across America’s annual “Escort to Arlington” – kicks off on Saturday, Dec. 10. The official route will travel down the East Coast stopping at schools, memorials, and other locations along the way to spread the year-long mission to remember the fallen, honor those that serve and their families, and teach the next generation the value of freedom.

Stops with public events will be held in Maine, New Hampshire, Connecticut, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland, and Washington D.C., before arriving at Arlington National Cemetery on the morning of Saturday, Dec. 17, on National Wreaths Across America Day.

“For me the Escort to Arlington is the culmination of another year of sharing the mission to remember, honor and teach across this country. I say it every year, but it is truly an experience of a lifetime,” says Karen Worcester, executive director, Wreaths Across America. “The way the mission and these families and veterans are welcomed into communities, with flags waving and streets lined with children and grateful Americans, is something we always wished every person could witness. This year we’re hoping that supporters will once again join us in safely lining the roadways and welcoming the escort into their communities.”

Escort Vehicles

For the eighth year in a row Chevrolet has generously provided the Wreaths Across America wrapped escort vehicles, transporting participating Gold Star families and veterans. In addition, Chevrolet has also donated 4,000 veterans’ wreaths for placement at Arlington National Cemetery to help honor our nation’s veterans.

“ Chevrolet and its dealers are proud to support the work of Wreaths Across America once again and share the mission to remember, honor and teach. This annual tradition has become a cornerstone event for Chevrolet and its dealers here in the Northeast Region,” says Dan Adamcheck, regional director of sales, service, and marketing for Chevrolet. “To be able to give back to our communities, and the men and women who have given so much to our country is truly an honor for Chevrolet and its employees.”

Members of the Patriot Guard Riders and Patriot Riders, and law enforcement from departments across Maine and other states along the route will provide escort to ensure safe transport for all participants throughout the week.

Transporting the Wreaths

The Escort to Arlington has grown to consist of twelve tractor-trailers representing Schneider National, Gully Transportation, Witte Bros. Exchange, Inc., Hartt Transportation Systems, Inc., Delhaize Transportation LLC (DBA Hannaford Supermarkets), American Trucking Associations – Workforce Heroes, Pottle’s Transportation, Cargo Transporters, Inc., Boyd Grain Inc., Hampton Roads Moving & Storage, Prime Inc., and Tyson Foods, Inc. These dedicated organizations and their professional drivers will haul a portion of the sponsored veterans’ wreaths heading to Arlington National Cemetery for placement on Saturday, Dec. 17. Additionally, Load One Carriers will once again serve as the ceremonial wreath transporter for the Escort.

A state trooper takes a moment beside a veteran’s headstone at Arlington National Cemetery.

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PHOTO: Wreaths Across America

How It Started

What began more than 30 years ago as a pilgrimage by a Maine wreath maker in a single truck to deliver 5,000 wreaths to Arlington National Cemetery as a gesture of thanks has become a year-long mission to remember, honor, teach. National Wreaths Across America Day ceremonies are happening at more than 3,500 participating locations across the country on Saturday, Dec. 17. These events are free and open to all people. To find a participating location near you to support and/or volunteer to place wreaths, click here .

In total, nearly 257,000 sponsored wreaths are needed to reach the goal of placing a wreath on every eligible marker at Arlington National Cemetery. To sponsor a $15 veteran’s wreath for placement this year, please visit www.wreathsacrossamerica.org/pages/14720/overview/

You can learn more by visiting: https://www.wreathsacrossamerica.org/pages/19520/News/862/?relatedId=0 

Volunteers placing wreaths at Arlington will be required to preregister and show proof of registration on Wreaths Across America Day on December 17. You may also register at the above link by clicking the volunteer button on the page.

Law enforcement officers participate in Wreaths Across America.

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PHOTO: Wreaths Across America

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 more than 2,900 participating locations in all 50 states and overseas. For more information, please visit  www.wreathsacrossamerica.org .

About Chevrolet

Founded in 1911 in Detroit, Chevrolet is now one of the world's largest car brands, available in nearly 80 countries with nearly 2.7 million cars and trucks sold in 2021. Chevrolet models include electric and fuel-efficient vehicles that feature engaging performance, a design that makes the heartbeat, passive and active safety features, and easy-to-use technology, all at a value. More information on Chevrolet models can be found at  www.chevrolet.com .