Wreaths Across America: going the 'Extra Mile'

The Truck Writer of North America’s “Extra Mile” Award was created to recognize those individuals, organizations and companies who have gone the extra mile by helping to make the trucking industry a better place.

Brad Bentley, editorial director of Driving Force, RPM and Big Rig Owner,
 presents the Extra Mile Award to Wreaths Across America  Executive
 Director Karen Worcester and WAA founder Morrill Worcester
(Photo by Sandi Soendker)

I guess it was coincidence that here at MATS this year a blog I wrote about experiencing the Wreaths Across America wreath-laying was recognized by my fellow TWNA members as Best of Internet Division.  That was Thursday night. A short time later, TWNA presented the Extra Mile Award to Morrill and Karen Worcester, founder and executive director of Wreaths Across America, respectively, for “going the ‘Extra Mile’ by working with the trucking industry to honor America’s fallen heroes.”

It came as a total surprise to me that Morrill and Karen were guests at Thursday night’s awards dinner. It’s become a project I feel deeply about. How can you NOT?

Like a number of other truck writers, WAA “had me from hello” – or to be more accurate, the minute I saw that Internet image of Arlington in the snow, the headstones and wreaths. You know the one that went viral years ago? If you haven’t see it, or read about WAA, here’s a really quick backgrounder: Wreaths Across America is a national nonprofit best known for their annual wreath-laying ceremonies at Arlington National Cemetery and more than 900 locations nationwide.

A growing number of trucking companies and truck drivers volunteer their time and equipment every year to Wreaths Across America.

As a TWNA member, it was gratifying to recognize WAA’s efforts. And it was great for me to be able to meet them face-to-face and talk with them for a while. Heartfelt congratulations to Morrill and Karen and all the WAA people and the volunteers who make this happen every year.