Wreaths Across America Tour Under Way
The American Trucking Associations' Share the Road truck and dozens of other trucks are delivering handmade wreaths to veterans' cemeteries and educating students and the public about trucking safely along the way.
The American Trucking Associations' Share the Road truck and dozens of other trucks from motor carriers have begun the annual Wreaths Across America tour, starting from Harrington, Maine, on their way to Arlington National Cemetery. The trucks will deliver more than 500,000 handmade wreaths there and to 900 veterans' cemeteries overall.
They will arrive at the national cemetery Dec. 13 after stops at and other locations to educate the public about trucking safety and the mission of Wreaths Across America, ATA announced Dec. 7.
"For many years now, ATA has been honored to play a part in this marvelous event," said ATA President and CEO Bill Graves. "We're very proud that our Share the Road truck, as well as dozens of trucks and drivers from ATA member companies, are doing what they can during this holiday season to help remember and honor those who gave what President Lincoln called 'the last full measure of devotion.'"
"Our nation's fallen servicemen and women gave the ultimate sacrifice for our country, and Mack is honored that our truck transports these wreaths to help signify our gratitude," said John Walsh, Mack's vice president of marketing.
"It is tremendously humbling to pull up to Arlington Cemetery with such an important load," said Ralph Garcia, a Share the Road professional driver with ABF Freight System Inc. "Then to see the many veterans and families and volunteers come to unload these wreaths and lay them out, it is just such a privilege."
ATA is the largest national trade association for the trucking industry.