Robert H Finke & Sons photo

Robert H Finke & Sons in Selkirk, N.Y., made a commitment to support Wreaths Across America by providing the services of its Kenworth T880 truck, which has a special paint job commemorating the horrific events of 9/11.

Each December, a poignant tradition takes place across the United States, bringing together communities to honor the men and women who have served in the military.

Wreaths Across America, an organization founded in 2007, has grown into a nationwide movement, placing wreaths at the graves of fallen soldiers to ensure they are remembered and celebrated for their sacrifice.

The story of Wreaths Across America began in 1992 when Morrill Worcester, owner of a wreath company in Maine, took an unexpected journey that would spark a movement. While visiting Arlington National Cemetery, he was struck by the sight of graves stretched out before him, each one holding a life lost in service to the nation. He immediately felt a connection and promised himself that he would find a way to honor them.

In 1992, Worcester sent a shipment of wreaths to Arlington, placing them at the headstones of the soldiers. The gesture was quiet and powerful, with no fanfare or media, just a simple act of remembrance. What began as a small personal tribute quickly gained attention as others saw the meaningful symbol of respect that the wreaths represented. By 2007, the idea had grown into Wreaths Across America, a national initiative aimed at remembering, honoring and teaching about the sacrifices made by U.S. military personnel. The organization's mission became clear: "Remember, Honor, Teach."

Today, Wreaths Across America is a nationwide event that touches every corner of the country. Thousands of volunteers, families, veterans, active-duty military members and community members gather to place wreaths on veterans' graves at more than 2,500 cemeteries across the United States. What started as a few wreaths going to Arlington National Cemetery has expanded to a heartfelt tribute in every state, with wreath-laying ceremonies in places like Florida, California, and even at overseas military cemeteries.

This past December, Robert H Finke & Sons in Selkirk, N.Y., made a commitment to support Wreaths Across America by providing the services of its Kenworth T880 truck, which has a special paint job commemorating the horrific events of 9/11.

According to Don Fiacco, general manager of Robert H Finke & Sons, "On Sunday, December 8 [2024], it was our honor to make available to Wreaths Across America our truck and the services of Richard Boice Jr, driver of MV911 with over 20 years of service at Robert H. Finke & Sons. Rich traveled from our location in Selkirk to the Wreaths Across America facility in Columbia Falls, Maine, where he picked up 16 pallets and three boxes of wreaths, totaling 3,492 wreaths. We spent the following Tuesday delivering wreaths all across Connecticut."

Robert H Finke & Sons has followed the Wreaths Across America mission for a number of years and have never been so honored as to have been a part of serving this nonprofit organization, the company said.

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