December 14, 2024, was more than just a date on the calendar for Arcwood Environmental™ Services. It was a day of reflection, gratitude, and unity as we joined communities across the country to honor the sacrifices of our nation’s veterans. This year, through collective effort and heartfelt generosity, we sponsored 727 wreaths and transported two truckloads of wreaths across the country to various locations.
Across eight cities, employees gathered at local cemeteries to lay wreaths and share in quiet moments of remembrance in honor of National Wreaths Across America Day. Each wreath laid was a symbol of respect, a connection to the past, and a commitment to ensuring that the legacies of those who served remain alive. The act of laying a wreath is simple but profound. Volunteers are encouraged to say the name of the veteran aloud before placing the wreath, honoring their memory. As the saying goes, “A person dies twice: once when they take their final breath, and later, the last time their name is spoken.” By speaking their names, we keep their stories alive and make sure they are not forgotten.
This event was not just about remembering—it was about teaching and inspiring. From Benton to Niagara Falls, the ceremonies were a testament to the power of community and the shared desire to honor those who gave everything for our freedoms. As families and employees placed wreaths together, these moments of connection remind us why traditions like Wreaths Across America matter.
As we close the chapter on this year’s event, we’re reminded that honoring our heroes is not confined to one day. It’s a continuous commitment—to remember, to teach, and to inspire. Thank you to everyone who made this year’s Wreaths Across America possible. Together, we have created memories that will last far beyond the wreaths themselves.