For the third year in a row, Day & Ross was proud to support Wreaths Across America (WAA) – and this year marked our most impactful involvement yet.

Through wreath sponsorships, transportation support, and hands-on volunteering, our teams helped ensure veterans were remembered and honoured. In total, nearly 15,000 wreaths were delivered to 15 locations across Pennsylvania and to Arlington National Cemetery in Virginia, a significant expansion from previous years and a reflection of our growing commitment to this meaningful cause.

Day & Ross expanded to three dedicated trucks this year, allowing us to serve key locations within our service area, including Philadelphia, Valley Forge National Historical Park, Carlisle, Spring Grove (just 10 minutes from our York office) and several Pittsburgh-area cemeteries.

With routes closer to home, more Day & Ross team members were able to take part by volunteering to unload wreaths, attend ceremonies and help place wreaths on veterans’ graves during National Wreaths Across America Day on December 13.

A Historic Honour at Arlington National Cemetery

This year also marked a major milestone: Day & Ross was selected for the first time to deliver wreaths to Arlington National Cemetery – an honour reserved for a limited number of organizations and with a long waiting list. Often referred to as “hallowed ground,” Arlington is the largest military cemetery in the United States, with more than 400,000 veterans, active-duty service members and eligible family members laid to rest there.

We’re especially proud to share that Day & Ross has a two-year agreement and will have the opportunity to return to Arlington again next year.

Arlington holds special meaning for Canadians as well. It is home to the Canadian Cross of Sacrifice, presented by Canada to the United States on Remembrance Day in 1927 in recognition of American volunteers who served in the Canadian military during World War I, World War II and the Korean War. Notably, nine Canadians are buried at Arlington, all recipients of the Congressional Medal of Honor, which is the highest US military decoration.

As former Canadian Ambassador to the US Frank McKenna once said during a visit to Arlington: “Bravery knows no nationalities…” This reflects the long-standing partnership between the United States and Canada and the same spirit of working together that guides our company today as one Day & Ross.

Wreaths Across America ceremonies are deeply moving moments of reflection. Active military members, veterans, families and volunteers come together to honour those who served through the presentation of colours, moments of silence, shared stories and the laying of wreaths. Each wreath is placed with care, with the veteran’s name read aloud, ensuring their service is never forgotten.

Our Veteran Drivers Leading the Way

All Day & Ross drivers selected for this initiative are veterans themselves. This year’s drivers were:

• Wil Resch – US Marine Corp, WestRock Dedicated Fleet in Adams, WI; 3 years with Day & Ross
• Darnell Howard – US Army; York Regional Fleet; 12 years with Day & Ross.
• Dusty DeLong – US Army: Houlton, ME Regional Fleet; 2 years with Day & Ross

Their leadership and service were at the heart of this campaign.

A special thank you to Kaleigh Gracie, Justin Sheetz, and Heather Bowers from our York Operations team for leading the extensive coordination behind the scenes – from routing and scheduling to travel and logistics.

Giving back to veterans and their families is deeply important to Day & Ross. About 10% of truck drivers across North America are veterans, and many of our own team members on both sides of the border have served. Supporting Wreaths Across America allows us to live our values – being human, being brave and giving back – while helping further WAA’s mission to remember the fallen, honour those who serve, and teach the next generation the value of freedom.

Thank you to everyone who volunteered, sponsored wreaths, supported our drivers or took time to remember. We invite you to watch the accompanying video to experience just how meaningful this year’s journey was. Together, we continue to honour service, sacrifice and legacy – today and always.