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On December 19th, the annual Wreaths Across America wreath-laying ceremony events took place honoring our nation’s veterans, active-duty military, and their families. This year, a total of 1.7 million veterans’ wreaths adorned the headstones of those that served.

Wreaths Across America is originally known for taking place at the Arlington National Cemetery (ANC) but has expanded to thousands of other cemeteries across the country each year. Every year, live balsam wreaths come from a direct, private donation from a citizen or organization to honor, appreciate, and respect those that served and protected our country, making the ultimate sacrifice. Wreaths Across America continues to use fresh evergreens as a symbol of honor that has been used throughout history.

In each of the 50 states, volunteers including Location Coordinators and professional truckers support efforts in the 2,557 participating locations honoring our nation’s heroes. Each year, the nonprofit organization utilizes this tradition, representing “a living memorial” through the act of laying the wreaths while repeating each of the names out loud. Wreaths Across America confirmed these acts are to affirm that they live on in our memory.

“The 2020 theme for Wreaths Across America has been ‘Be an American worth fighting for,’ and this year I have been blessed to see my fair share,” said Karen Worcester, executive director of Wreaths Across America. “The determination of the American people and their commitment to the mission to Remember, Honor, Teach, made it possible for us to move forward this year, safely. We are humbled, and forever grateful for the outpouring of support from all across the country.”

Last year, UPS contributed to the annual event by providing an Honor Trailer to assist in transporting the wreaths to the destination. In 2019, more than 50,000 wreaths were placed at the Arlington National Cemetery alone along with a 2.5+ mile-long parade.

All images provided by Wreaths Across America

Beginning in early October, American Airlines has been diligently transporting over 10 tonnes of sweet chestnuts from Rome’s Fiumicino Airport to JFK each day to prepare Americans for the quickly approaching holidays.

The sweet chestnuts originate from mountain harvesting in the Naples, Italy region and have a high American demand right now due to limited localized production options, according to a release this week from the company. Due to this increase in demand, efforts to transport the holiday classic kicked off earlier in the month of October and continues on strong, going on six weeks. During a normal season, it usually lasts for only a couple of weeks.

“Whether its chestnuts roasting on the streets of New York or families preparing a traditional stuffing to accompany their Turkey at Thanksgiving or Christmas, our team in Italy has worked hard with our shipper and forwarder partners to deliver record tonnages of chestnuts this year,” says Richard Hartmann, American’s Regional Cargo Sales Manager.

As the season of giving continues, American everywhere can be thankful for the hard working efforts of the American Airlines cargo team for supplying one of the most classical items enjoyed during this time of the year.

About American Airlines Cargo

American Airlines Group is the holding company for American Airlines. American provides one of the largest cargo networks in the world with cargo terminals and interline connections across the globe. Every day, American transports cargo between major cities in the United States, Europe, Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, Latin America and Asia.

American Airlines and American Eagle offer an average of nearly 6,700 flights per day to nearly 350 destinations in more than 50 countries. American has hubs in Charlotte, Chicago, Dallas/Fort Worth, Los Angeles, Miami, New York, Philadelphia, Phoenix, and Washington, D.C. American is a founding member of the oneworld alliance, whose members and members-elect serve nearly 1,000 destinations with 14,250 daily flights to 150 countries. Shares of American Airlines Group Inc. trade on Nasdaq under the ticker symbol AAL. In 2015, its stock joined the S&P 500 index. Connect with American on Twitter @AmericanAir and at Facebook.com/AmericanAirlines.

Wreaths Across America 2020: “Be an American Worth Fighting For”

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