In honor of this year’s National Wreaths Across America Day, typically held the second Saturday in December, Meijer and Walmart partnered with the organization to lay wreaths on the headstones of veterans buried in cemeteries across the U.S.
Wreaths Across America’s mission is to honor the service and sacrifice of veterans while teaching younger generations about the importance of remembering those who served. Volunteers are encouraged to say each veteran’s name aloud when placing wreaths, which are donated by people or organizations, to ensure their memory lives on.
In total, Wreaths Across America placed more than 2 million wreaths on graves at more than 4,600 locations across all 50 states, at sea and abroad, part of the organization’s mission to “Remember, Honor and Teach.”
Meijer
Meijer’s outbound logistics team delivered wreaths to 13 veterans’ cemeteries in Michigan and Ohio, the most so far for the grocer. Among the locations were Fort Custer National Cemetery in Battle Creek, Michigan, Toledo Memorial Park in Sylvania, Ohio, and several smaller cemeteries, including those in Concord, Hillsdale and Jackson, Michigan.
“We work with cemeteries and the VFW [Veterans of Foreign Wars of the U.S.] halls to make deliveries the week prior so they’re ready for the wreath-laying ceremonies,” said Dave Hoover, Meijer’s director of outbound logistics and a U.S. Army veteran.
“Our drivers, many of whom are veterans, take great pride in delivering these wreaths. It’s a way for them to continue serving and to honor their fellow service members.”
Meijer’s partnership with Wreaths Across America extends beyond cemetery deliveries. In 2022, the retailer sponsored a Mobile Education Exhibit, which toured communities across Michigan, Ohio and Indiana, teaching visitors about veterans’ sacrifices and serving as a “welcome home” station for Vietnam vets.
“For centuries, fresh evergreens have symbolized honor and renewal,” Hoover said. “This tradition is a powerful reminder of the sacrifices our veterans have made and the freedoms we enjoy because of them.”
Walmart
Each year, Walmart and private fleet drivers transport thousands of wreaths to cemeteries nationwide. For those drivers, said General Transportation Manager Jenny Lovering, the wreaths are “the most meaningful cargo they will haul throughout their whole career.”
The journey of remembrance starts in Columbia Falls, Maine, where each wreath is made by hand. From there, Walmart fleet drivers transport the wreaths across the country, including to Virginia’s Arlington National Cemetery, and the Flight 93 National Memorial in Shanksville, Pennsylvania.
This year, thousands of Walmart associates signed up to join volunteers at more than 130 of those locations.
The retailer began its partnership with Wreaths Across America in 2008. Since then, Walmart has supported the cause with cash and in-kind donations, including a $750,000 grant in 2023 that will support the organization for five years.
This year, Walmart, Sam’s Club and its supply chain facilities have given more than $126,000 in Spark Good local grants to support Wreaths Across America and its community affiliates.
Add Comment