With gratitude for your service to America today and every day, DAT Freight & Analytics wishes all veterans a happy Veteran’s Day.
George Marshall, Secretary of State under President Harry Truman, said: “The soldier’s heart, the soldier’s spirit, the soldier’s soul, are everything.” We honor that sentiment and the men and women who inspired it then – and continue to serve in inspirational ways. Who among us couldn’t benefit from going about our lives with the purpose, commitment, and dedication of our troops?
While DAT celebrates all veterans with reverence, our company’s focus on the supply chain naturally draws our attention to veterans involved in the trucking industry. To commemorate Veterans Day, we’ve highlighted a program that draws attention to the sacrifice and heroism our veterans make, even after they’ve completed their service to the country.
Wreaths Across America
Morrill Worcester, owner of Worcester Wreath Company in Harrington, Maine, was just 12 when a trip to Washington, D.C., left a lasting mark on his life. Visiting Arlington National Cemetery and the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, he was deeply moved by the sacrifices of veterans and the values they upheld. This experience stayed with him, shaping his perspective and inspiring a lifelong commitment to honor those who served.
In 1992, faced with a surplus of holiday wreaths, Worcester saw an opportunity to give back. With the help of Senator Olympia Snowe, he arranged for the wreaths to be placed in an older, less-visited section of Arlington. Local businesses, volunteers, and organizations rallied to support the effort, from transporting the wreaths to decorating them with hand-tied red bows. The tribute culminated in a wreath-laying ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, a gesture of gratitude that sparked a tradition honoring veterans nationwide, now larger than he ever could’ve imagined.
In 2024, over three million sponsored veterans’ wreaths were placed at 4,909 locations nationwide, honoring our nation’s service members. This effort was made possible by more than four million volunteers, along with support from 7,400 sponsorship groups, corporate contributions, and in-kind donations from the transportation industry.
What began over 30 years ago continues each December, with Wreaths Across America’s annual pilgrimage from Harrington, Maine, to Arlington National Cemetery. Known as “the world’s largest veterans’ parade,” the convoy stops at schools, monuments, and communities along the way, sharing the mission to remember, honor, and teach.
Get involved with Wreaths Across America
This year’s National Wreaths Across America day takes places on December 13, and there are three primary ways to get involved.
- Sponsor a wreath to be laid on a veteran’s headstone.
- Volunteer to place wreaths at a cemetery.
- Invite friends, family, or neighbors to join in.
For more information about all of Wreaths Across America’s events throughout the year, click here.
DAT honors these heroes, whether or not they make their living in the trucking industry. Wish them each a happy and proud Veterans Day.
