900,000 wreaths placed on veterans' graves

Lindsay Deutsch | USA TODAY Network

As families put up Christmas trees and hang festive wreaths outside their homes, one movement is remembering fallen soldiers by organizing communities to lay more than 900,000 wreaths on military graves across the country.

"It's tremendous; there's a lot of help involved. We have 320 trucks from about 150 volunteer truck companies," said Rob Worcester, logistics director for Wreaths Across America, which became a non-profit in 2007. The endeavor began in 1992 as a pilgrimage by Maine businessman Morrill Worcester to deliver 5,000 wreaths to Arlington National Cemetery.

The yearly community-building ceremony, which pays respect to those who have given their lives for the country, took place Saturday at more than 1,000 veteran cemeteries nationwide and 25 cemeteries overseas — but not without help.

Saturday was also the culmination of a week's veteran events along the original Maine-to-Arlington, Va., path.

"One part of Wreaths Across America day is an honor convoy that goes directly to Arlington (Cemetery). The 12-truck convoy takes six days (with) stops at schools, veterans' homes and other community centers," said Worcester. The wreaths have become central for fundraising efforts of groups like local VFW branches and Boy Scout troops.

WAA has been able to rapidly expand since 2007, when it laid 30,000 to 40,000 wreaths, to laying more than 900,000 wreaths this year, with the help of community and corporate sponsors. The biggest expense? Actually getting the wreaths where they need to go.

Worcester said the Truckload Carriers Association is in its fifth year as a partner with the non-profit. Walmart has become a benefactor as well, donating more than $620,000 combined, including trucking donations.

For Patrick Simmons, senior director of logistics for Walmart, the effort hits close to home. Not only is he a veteran, but Simmons said he became aware of the program after reading a news story about Wreaths Across America honoring victims of Sept. 11. He had a friend who died in the Pentagon, and wanted to get involved.

"When we first got started, we would load our trailers and put an American flag on them, along with the Wreaths Across America mission, which is 'remember, honor and teach,'" Simmons said. Thirty percent of Walmart's drivers are veterans, and there are now more than 10,000 associates who get involved in the movement.

"That really resonated with our associates. Service across the military — it doesn't matter your political background or socioeconomic status — everyone appreciates the freedom we have and the people who protect it," he said.