The mission to remember, honor, and teach is carried out daily by millions of citizens who care deeply for those who have served our nation in the armed forces, and their families. Some of these remarkable individuals are veterans themselves or come from military families while others are driven by a deep sense of patriotism and community service.  

Placing fresh, hand-made balsam wreaths on the headstones of veterans across the country in December requires tremendous logistics and unyielding support from the trucking industry.  

Wreaths Across America shows its gratitude and appreciation for all those involved in transporting America's respect with "Trucking Tributes." These stories introduce you to the men and women of the industry who make the mission possible.

We all know it takes the trucking industry to keep our lives and businesses running smoothly and when veterans’ wreaths are the precious cargo it’s transporting America’s respect.

When a citizen honors a fallen hero by sponsoring a veteran’s wreath, that fresh, handmade balsam fir product has to make it from Downeast Maine to its final destination. Every December, there are Wreaths Across America wreath-laying ceremonies and tributes at Arlington National Cemetery and close to 1,500 other locations across the nation and overseas.

In 2018, the National Association of Independent Truckers (NAIT) once again steps forward to provide considerable financial support for the operations and logistics that are the backbone of Wreaths Across America.  

Joining together with other members of the trucking industry, NAIT, NAIT’s insurance partners TransGuard and IAT Insurance Group, will play a vital role in this year’s December 15, 2018, National Wreaths Across America Day tribute, with hundreds of companies and professional drivers donating their time, trucks and fuel to transport nearly two million veteran wreaths across the country. 

David King, Vice President, Business Development for NAIT says they’re proud to honor the men and women who have valiantly served our country. 

“This contribution, like the ones we have made over the last several years, will help to provide an opportunity for professional drivers to transport wreaths across the United States. Many employees of NAIT and our partners will also be placing wreaths on the graves of veterans in cemeteries across the United States.” 

The NAIT contribution helps independent truckers like Kevin Ericson, an Owner-Operator with Knudsen Trucking of Hager City, Wis. participate in Wreaths Across America’s mission. 

“Helping me with my fuel costs is like a Godsend,” Kevin shares. “One-truck operators like me can’t always afford to participate in things like this. 

Kevin’s grandfather and father served in the U.S. Army, and he’s personally familiar with the sacrifices made by military families. 

“To me, Wreaths Across America is our history. If people don’t understand what sacrifices were made to give them the freedom to go out and assemble to protest and speak their mind and go out and a buy a beer with their friends without having to worry about what’s going to happen around the corner. All the liberties we have and take for granted were fought for by those who have fallen. Wreaths Across America is a way to help future generations understand, and a way to be sure these heroes are not forgotten.”

“Professional truck drivers are among some of the most patriotic people I’ve ever met,” proclaims Debbie Sparks, Director of Transportation and Community Outreach for Wreaths Across America. “The number one thing about NAIT is they truly understand the lifestyle and hardship of independent operators and the service they provide this country. NAIT’S support makes it possible for these folks to participate in something that is near and dear to them without it hurting their business.” 

You can hear more from Kevin and Debbie in “Trucking Tributes” which airs Tuesdays at 11:00 AM and again at 4:00 PM EST on Wreaths Across America Radio.

To volunteer trucking services click here.