Today is the last day for “Matching Funds” donations at Wreaths Across America. . . caravan leaves Saturday

Wreaths Across America, the non-profit organization that works with volunteers and over 4,800 cemetery locations to place wreaths on our honored veterans graves has its matching donation program in place through today where your donation can be matched by corporate companies Jersey Mike’s Subs and Norfolk Southern.  For each $17 wreath donated, Jersey Mike’s will match the donation up to a maximum of $500,000 total and Norfolk Southern will match the donation up to a maximum of $100,000 total.  The matching program ends at the end of the day today (December 3, 2024).

What started out as an act of honor to place 5,000 wreaths at Arlington National Cemetery 30 years ago will find the organization this year placing over 3 million wreaths in honor of American military participants.

Jersey Mike’s Subs has donated over $4 million to the program over the past several years.  Here’s what Peter Cancro, founder and CEO of Jersey Mike’s says of their efforts in a news release, “Jersey Mike’s franchisees across the country support the year-long mission to Remember the fallen, Honor those who serve, and Teach the next generation the value of freedom.  I invite you to join this important Wreaths Across America initiative and make a difference.”

And, here’s what Ed Elkins, Executive Vice-President and Chief Marketing Officer of Norfolk Southern said in this press release, “At Norfolk Southern, Veterans Day is about honoring those who have sacrificed so much, and it’s also about active support, partnership, and gratitude for their sacrifices. To us, that means continuous, year-round support through meaningful contributions and partnerships that make a difference.  For several years, Norfolk Southern has been deeply involved in supporting the mission of Wreaths Across America, and we’re proud to provide this additional assistance to champion their mission in 2024.” 

The placing of the wreaths in cemeteries will take place on Saturday, December 14.  To learn how you can find a cemetery near you and volunteer for that effort click here.

Arlington National Cemetery escort begins Saturday, December 7 — The escort from Columbia Falls, Maine, carrying wreaths to Arlington National Cemetery will travel through Maine, Massachusetts, Connecticut, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland and Washington D.C., before arriving at Arlington National Cemetery on the morning of Saturday, December 14 – National Wreaths Across America Day.

The procession that will consist of at least 14 tractor-trailer loads of wreaths will be escorted by Chevrolet sponsored vehicles to transport participating Gold Star and Blue Star family members and veterans during the week-long trip. Here’s what Dan Adamcheck, Regional Director of Sales, Service, and Marketing for Chevrolet says about their efforts,  “Chevrolet and its dealers are humbled to continue to play a part in the important yearlong mission of Wreaths Across America. This annual tradition, now in its 10^th year for Chevrolet and its dealers in the Northeast Region, is something we all look forward to participating in each year.  To be able to give back to our communities and the men and women who have given so much to our country is truly an honor for Chevrolet and its employees.” 

Click here to learn more about the route and the events along the way from Maine to Arlington National Cemetery.

Click here to learn how you can donate to Wreaths Across America

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