BELFAST — For the first time ever, the Wreath’s Across America convoy will parade up Main Street in Belfast, led by local veterans, fire, and ambulance crews. The escort will stop in Belfast on Sunday, Dec. 10, 2023, at 12 p.m., for a luncheon convened by Bank of America honoring local veterans, Blue and Gold Star families.

The country’s longest veterans’ parade – Wreaths Across America’s annual “Escort to Arlington” – begins December 10. The escort will travel down the East Coast, stopping at schools, memorials, and other locations along the route to spread WAA’s year-long mission to REMEMBER the fallen, HONOR those who serve, and TEACH the next generation the value of freedom. 

This year’s full route can be viewed here.

Included in the Belfast parade will be:

-Local officials/dignitaries
-Founders of Wreaths Across America
-Gold Star and Blue Star families 
-Members of military and veterans representing many eras
-Professional truck drivers
-Patriot Guard Riders and Patriot Riders
-Local law enforcement who will provide escort to ensure safe transport for all participants throughout the week

BACKGROUND:

The Escort to Arlington has grown to consist of 13 tractor-trailers representing Baylor Trucking, Budd Van Lines, Saia LTL, Schneider National, Witte Bros. Exchange, Inc., Hartt Transportation Systems, Inc., Delhaize Transportation LLC (DBA Hannaford Supermarkets), American Trucking Associations – Workforce Heroes, Cargo Transporters, Inc., Prime Inc., Tyson Foods, Inc., Walmart Transportation, and Pottles Transportation. Additionally, Load One Carriers will again serve as the ceremonial wreath transporter for the week. These dedicated organizations and their professional drivers will haul some of the sponsored veterans’ wreaths to Arlington National Cemetery for placement on Saturday, Dec. 16.

What began 30+ years ago as a pilgrimage by a Maine wreath maker in a single truck to deliver 5,000 wreaths to Arlington National Cemetery as a gesture of thanks has become a year-long mission to Remember, Honor, Teach. National Wreaths Across America Day ceremonies are happening at more than 4,000 participating locations across the country on Saturday, Dec. 16, 2023. These events are free and open to all people. To find a participating location near you to support and/or volunteer to place wreaths, click here.

Bank of America

America’s military veterans, service members and families are a pivotal part of our communities, and Bank of America recognizes the unique skills and experiences they bring to the company. Bank of America has a longstanding commitment to these brave men and women as they transition to civilian life, relocate or take military leave. This is demonstrated through dedicated hiring, financial education and targeted programs and resources to ensure our teammates have stable, long-lasting careers. In addition, the company partners with military nonprofits across the country to help veterans face the unique challenges they might experience at home.

About Wreaths Across America

Wreaths Across America is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization founded to continue and expand the annual wreath-laying ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery, begun by Maine businessman Morrill Worcester in 1992. The organization’s year-round mission – Remember, Honor, Teach – is carried out in part each year by coordinating wreath-laying ceremonies in December at Arlington, as well as at more than 4,000 participating locations in all 50 states and overseas. For more information, please visit www. wreathsacrossamerica.org.