Wreaths Across America: A Load of Honor

December 12, 2021
wreaths across america

On December 9th, Anthony Lopez Jr. secured his load in Columbia Falls, Maine. This load, however, was unlike any other before. Anthony, a veteran of the United States Armed Forces and a driver for Chief Carriers, has the distinct honor of participating in The Wreaths Across America program. Anthony, on behalf of Chief Carriers, is transporting these wreaths to their final destination in Lincoln, Nebraska.

Each December on National Wreaths Across America Day, the mission to Remember, Honor and Teach is carried out by coordinating wreath-laying ceremonies at Arlington National Cemetery, as well as at more than 2,500 additional locations in all 50 U.S. states, at sea and abroad.

It’s the most important load we will ever haul! ~ Andrew Winkler, General Manager of Chief Carriers

With the help of trucking companies, like Chief Carriers, and professional truck drivers the mission of Wreaths Across America is carried out. Their mission touches the lives of thousands of school, scout, civic and religious groups across the country through fundraising for wreath sponsorships. These groups help us ensure that we reach our goal to place a wreath on each hero’s grave. In return, they receive fundraising dollars that assist in furthering their own goals and projects. Support us by supporting our participating groups below.

wreaths across america

The Wreaths Across America mission to remember, honor, and teach is impossible without the transportation industry. Veterans’ wreaths move by planes, trains, and livestock trailers, but trucks and their professional drivers transport the lion’s share of America’s respect. Many of these drivers are veterans and say the truckload of fresh, balsam-fir wreaths is the most precious cargo they transport in their careers. Wreaths Across America highlights their steadfast commitment in the “Trucking Tributes” feature online and on Wreaths Across America Radio.

Professional drivers like Anthony Lopez Jr. and trucking companies like Chief Carriers give so much to the nation. With supply chain issues top of mind and December being the busiest time of the year for the transportation industry, Wreaths Across America brings everyone together for one unified mission.

General Manager of Chief Carriers, Andrew Winkler, said in a recent interview, “Transporting this load is a distinct honor for Chief Carriers and it’s the most important load we will ever haul.”
National Wreaths Across America Day is December 18th, 2021. Anthony Lopez, Jr. will be delivering 1,872 wreaths to Wyuka Cemetery in Lincoln, Nebraska.