The wreaths were placed on the gravesites of Andersonville National Cemtery to remember and honor fallen heroes.
Johnathan Kreutzer Salutes a Fallen Veteran During National Wreaths Across America Day
The Bennett Family of Companies and the Taylor Family Foundation recently honored fallen veterans at Andersonville National Cemetery for the holiday season by laying over 10,971 wreaths during National Wreaths Across America Day on Saturday, December 19, 2020.
The week began with five Bennett drivers going to Columbia Falls, Maine to pick up wreaths from the Worcester Wreath Company, the founders of the Wreaths Across America organization. They joined truckers who delivered more than 2.2. million wreaths to 2,175 participating locations throughout the country, all committed to the mission to Remember, Honor and Teach.
After arriving at Bennett’s Home Office headquarters in McDonough, Georgia, the Bennett drivers, Mitch and Amanda Browning, Brett and Stephanie Taylor, and Johnathan Kreutzer were recognized as this year’s Wreaths Across America Rolling Ambassadors. Each driver received a commemorative medal during a special Convoy Rally held to recognize their service as volunteers.
Following the rally, employees gathered outside to show appreciation to the Ambassadors and those participating in the convoy by waving American flags. The trucks left McDonough, escorted by the Henry County Sheriff, the Henry County Police along with the Thunder Riders West H.O.G. Chapter through the backroads to Americus, Georgia, and finally stopping at Andersonville National Cemetery to unload.
In 2019, the Bennett Family of Companies and the Taylor Foundation were able to deliver 15,705 wreaths to the cemetery to cover 20,200 gravesites at Andersonville. This year’s fundraising efforts became more of a challenge due to the pandemic, however, with the support of Bennett employees, agents, drivers from across the country and the Henry County business community, it was a blessing to be able to continue to be a part of National Wreaths Across America Day.
The following morning, for National Wreaths Across America Day, a small ceremony was held that honored all veterans, and especially the fallen who are laid to rest at Andersonville.
Bennett’s Vice President of Marketing, Kris Rzepkowski, appeared alongside Andersonville National Cemetery, Superintendent, Gia Wagner to lead a ceremony that honored all veterans, and especially the fallen who are laid to rest at Andersonville.
“I was overwhelmed by the support of our drivers, our employees and the local community in helping the cause for Wreaths Across America especially during a rough year. I look forward to supporting Wreaths Across America next year with a goal of covering every gravesite at Andersonville with 20,200 wreaths,” said Lee Gentry, Executive Vice President of Bennett Family of Companies and Wreaths Across America captain.
It is estimated that over 100 Bennett employees and their families descended on Andersonville to begin laying wreaths on the gravesites along with local supporters. After each wreath was laid by people of all ages, and proper honor and tribute was paid to each soldier laid to rest there, the cemetery was left with a lasting image of respect and tribute to the soldiers who paid the ultimate sacrifice for our country.
If interested in supporting the mission of Wreaths Across America, visit www.wreathsacrossamerica.org/GA0213.
