Earlier this week, our convoy of Tyson Foods Private Fleet drivers departed Wreaths Across America (WAA) headquarters in Columbia Falls, Maine. They’ve traveled over 15,000 miles to 113 national cemeteries across 19 states, including Arlington National Cemetery, to deliver over 145,000 wreaths for this year’s National Wreaths Across America Day.

Every December, wreath-laying ceremonies take place across the country to honor our veterans during the holiday season, and since 2015, Tyson Foods has supported national wreath-laying events through a partnership with WAA.

“This year, Tyson’s transportation team donated 29 tractor trailers to transport wreaths,” says Patrick Simmons, vice president of supply chain, Transportation. “We’ve also donated food for this past week to feed all the drivers who volunteered.”

People took to the streets along the way to show their support for the convoy. In Ellsworth, Maine, the fire department raised the American flag as our trucks passed through for a pit stop.

Over our six-year partnership with WAA, we’ve provided nearly $400,000 in transportation, monetary donations, and wreath sponsorship. Team members will also participate in wreath-laying ceremonies across the nation on December 18.

Wreaths Across America is a non-profit organization that works to place memorial wreaths on graves of U.S. veterans in national cemeteries worldwide. Founded in 1992, WAA’s mission is to Remember, Honor, and Teach: remember those that have given so much for our freedom; honor those that are currently serving; and teach the next generation that freedom is not free. This year, WAA will place nearly 2,500,000 wreaths at over 3,000 locations worldwide.