The Mission: Remember, Honor, Teach

Wreaths Across America (WAA) is a national non-profit organization dedicated to its year-round mission: to Remember the fallen, Honor those who serve and their families, and Teach the next generation the value of freedom. The most visible manifestation of this mission is the annual coordination of wreath-laying ceremonies on National Wreaths Across America Day, which traditionally takes place on a Saturday in December. This event involves placing millions of live, hand-made balsam veterans’ wreaths on the headstones of service members at over 5,000 participating locations worldwide, including Arlington National Cemetery. When each wreath is placed, the veteran’s name is spoken aloud to ensure their memory lives on.

Joining the “Honor Fleet”

The logistics of transporting millions of wreaths from the tip lands in Maine to thousands of cemeteries across the country is immense. This is where the trucking industry becomes the absolute backbone of WAA’s efforts, forming the “Honor Fleet.” WAA relies entirely on the generosity of the trucking community, as the organization receives no government funding.

Opportunities for Fleets and Drivers

• Volunteer to Haul: Individual truck drivers and fleets can donate their time, fuel, and equipment to transport a “Truckload of Respect.” This is often described by participating drivers, many of whom are veterans themselves, as the most meaningful load they’ll ever haul. WAA’s dedicated transportation team works to match available trucks and carriers with the nearly 800 loads needed each year.
• Monetary Support: Fleets or individuals unable to haul can contribute financially to the Transportation Fund to cover necessary logistics costs.
• The #WAAcarrierchallenge: This initiative encourages carriers, fleets, and owner-operators to donate loads, trucks, or monetary support, and challenge others to do the same, often shared through social media to spread awareness.
• Driver Engagement: Companies often use their WAA involvement as a source of driver pride and retention, allowing veteran drivers or those nominated by peers to take on the honorable assignment.

The Trucking Tributes and Upcoming Events

The stories of drivers who participate are frequently shared in WAA’s “Trucking Tributes” on their website and Wreaths Across America Radio, highlighting the profound personal connection many feel.

Case Studies of Service

• J.B. Hunt Transport has been a significant contributor for nearly a decade, hauling dozens of loads annually. They actively involve their employees, with key-exchange and arrival ceremonies creating a strong sense of community and corporate pride. Their custom-wrapped trailers feature slogans like, “Your Service Drives Us.”
• S & S Transport, a company with a strong veteran presence, holds an annual drawing to determine which driver gets the coveted WAA haul, underscoring the honor associated with delivering “America’s respect.”

Upcoming Key Event

The culmination of the year’s efforts is National Wreaths Across America Day, which is scheduled for Saturday, December 13, 2025. Wreath deliveries will happen throughout November and December, often including public escort convoys that allow communities to pay their respects to the wreaths as they travel to their final destination. Fleets and drivers interested in joining the Honor Fleet for this year’s mission should visit the WAA website for information on available routes.

To learn more about how your fleet can get involved, visit the Wreaths Across America Transportation Support page at WreathsAcrossAmerica.org/SupportTransportation.

Also read: The End of Idling: How Lithium Power is Revolutionizing Trucking Efficiency