Chevrolet Leads The Longest Veterans’ Day Parade With Wreaths Across America
Jill Robbins
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From start to finish, Chevrolet honors veterans and their families in a unique event this month.
We read a lot about honoring and remembering veterans on Veterans Day and Memorial Day. One organization has made it its mission to honor veterans in December. Chevrolet is the exclusive automotive partner of Wreaths Across America, which is the country’s longest veterans parade. I’m a veteran myself. Any organization that places a priority on remembering the fallen is near and dear to my heart.
Wreaths Across America’s annual “escort to Arlington kicks off on Saturday, December 10. The parade has stops with public events in Maine, New Hampshire, Connecticut, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware Maryland, and Washington D.C. . The final stop is Arlington National Cemetery on National Wreaths Across America Day, Saturday, December 17. The primary function of these events is to conduct wreath-laying ceremonies at the various destinations.
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Wreaths Across America might be parading through a town near you. Photo: Wreaths Across America
Did You Know that Wreaths Across America Began Over 30 Years Ago?
The project started with one Maine wreath maker and a single truck. The original goal of the project was to deliver 5,000 wreaths to Arlington National Cemetery as a gesture of thanks has become a yearlong mission. On Saturday, December 17, 2022, Wreaths Across America ceremonies will take place at more than 3,500 locations across the country. Events are free and open to the public. To find a location near you, volunteer to place wreaths, or sponsor a veteran’s wreath for placement ($15) visit the Wreaths Across America website.
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Wreaths Across America needs volunteers and donations to keep going. Photo: WAW
Chevrolet’s support of Wreath Across America is in its eighth year
This is the eighth year Chevrolet has been involved with Wreaths Across America. Chevy provides Wreaths Across American wrapped escort vehicles, to transport participating Gold Star families and veterans. The title of Gold Star Family is reserved for families of military members who have died in the line of duty and is meant to honor the service member’s ultimate sacrifice while acknowledging their family’s loss, grief, and continued healing. Chevrolet has also donated 4,000 wreaths to be placed upon the graves of service members who are laid to rest at Arlington National Cemetery.
“Chevrolet and our Dealer partners have a long tradition of supporting local, regional and national philanthropic causes and organizations,” Nick Bring, the Northeast Regional Field Manager for Chevrolet said. “One of our dealers in Maine, Jack Quirk of Quirk Chevrolet (Bangor, ME) had an existing relationship with Wreaths Across America and suggested that we get involved. This isn’t unusual as our dealers are very much pillars of their own communities and in many cases have several philanthropic partnerships of their own. Investing in the communities that we live and work in is one of the reasons that Chevrolet has been a part of the American story for over 100 years. “
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Wreaths Across America Reminds us to Remember, Honor, Teach
Bring went on to say that after learning of Wreaths Across America’s mission to “Remember, Honor, Teach,” Chevrolet thought this would be a great way to recognize the service and sacrifice of men and women in uniform. This led to Chevrolet becoming the exclusive automotive partner of the convoy.
“We have also incorporated and administer this partnership with multiple Chevrolet Local Marketing Associations up and down the Northeast Region,” shared Bring. “This has helped to sponsor the purchase of more wreaths… as well as provide support with wreath laying and other needs at many of the tour stop locations.”
This lineup of specially wrapped Chevys are set to escort Gold Star Families to wreath laying ceremonies. Photo: Wreaths Across America
About the Chevrolet vehicles used in Wreaths Across America
The fleet of 12 Chevrolets includes Tahoes, Surburbans, and Blazers. “Also, we provide a uniquely wrapped Military Camaro, whose imagery has changed over the years,” Bring told us. “(The Camaro’s) imagery has changed over the years but is focused on celebrating the proud history of our Armed Forces. The reason why we choose to support the WAA with Tahoes, Suburbans and Blazers is really to help meet their needs in transporting Gold Star families from Maine, where the tour begins, to where it ends in Arlington National Cemetery.”
The Camaro has been a part of Wreaths Across America in past years. Photo: Wreaths Across America
I love that Chevrolet has been a partner in this cause that is so dear to my heart. Remember, if you don’t live along the location of the parade, you can still participate in the other locations that may be closer to you. It’s so rewarding to contribute to this cause that supports our veterans and their families.
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