For Walmart Private Fleet driver Steve Weldon, delivering wreaths with Wreaths Across America is deeply personal – a way to honor the legacy of Reggie St Pierre Jr., a fellow associate, mentor and friend who passed away in 2011. Each year, Walmart and passionate drivers like Weldon transport thousands of wreaths to cemeteries nationwide, paying tribute to U.S. veterans for National Wreaths Across America Day. For those drivers, says 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, our Walmart fleet drivers help transport the wreaths across the country to cemeteries and memorials, including Virginia’s Arlington National Cemetery, and the Flight 93 National Memorial in Shanksville, Pennsylvania, which honors the heroic actions of the 40 passengers and crew aboard Flight 93 on September 11, 2001.
Once the wreaths arrive, volunteers across the country come together at more than 4,000 veterans’ cemeteries to place them at the graves of those who served. This year, that will happen on Saturday, Dec. 14, and thousands of Walmart associates have signed up to join volunteers at more than 130 of those locations to ensure the sacrifices of our servicemen and women are remembered.
Walmart’s work with Wreaths Across America began in 2008 – and what started as local support has since grown into a nationwide effort. The Wreaths Across America mission is simple yet powerful: to remember the fallen, honor our active military, and teach the next generation through the stories of the past men and women who have served. It’s a mission that aligns deeply with Walmart’s values. And as one of the country’s largest employers of U.S. veterans, our support is one way for us to honor their contributions.
Our relationship with Wreaths Across America extends beyond the transportation and placement of wreaths. Over the past two decades, Walmart has supported this cause with cash and in-kind donations, including a $750,000 grant made in 2023 that will support the organization for five years. This year alone, Walmart, Sam’s Club and our supply chain facilities have given over $126,000 in Spark Good local grants to support Wreaths Across America and its community affiliates.
This week, as the wreaths make their cross-country journey, we are reminded of the courage, dedication and sacrifice of our U.S. veterans. Their stories are an integral part of the season of giving here at Walmart. Amid the often-chaotic holiday season, pausing to honor the legacies of those who have sacrificed so much feels like one of the most meaningful gifts we can give.
