The trucking industry has absolutely amazing people.
Our people may not always be politically correct or say things in just the right way, but you cannot question our passion, our willingness to help when needed, or our patriotism.
On Dec. 16 those traits were on full display as professional truck drivers, supported by the donated resources of their companies, descended on the National Memorial Cemeteries across the country. These wonderful drivers, most of which are veterans with military themed wraps on their trucks, delivered 3 million wreaths to be placed on the graves of those who have served in the military as a part of Wreaths Across America. While most wreaths were delivered to the National Memorial Cemeteries in each state across the country, the centerpiece of this effort was at Arlington National Cemetery in Washington D.C.
At the Wreaths Across America Annual Washington D.C. Area Appreciation Dinner and Rally, as Chairman of the Truckload Carriers Association, I had the pleasure of publicly recognizing and thanking all the professional truck drivers that took part in the event at Arlington. That was quite an honor.
The next morning I stood in awe on the hallowed grounds of the 639-acre Arlington National Cemetery where 400,000 brave men and women are buried. As a wreath was placed at each headstone, we were asked to verbally speak the name of the service member to honor and remember them.
It was special. It was emotional. It was cause for deep reflection. It was an opportunity to rise above the partisan bickering that was occurring just a few miles away on Capitol Hill. It was an opportunity to remind us that freedom is not free; that there is a heavy price to be paid.
Although our nation’s history is often hard for newer generations to understand through the lens of 2023 America, on this day I was reminded that the founders of this country accomplished something extraordinary. They instilled a reason for its citizens to have the willingness to make the ultimate sacrifice defending the principles upon which this country was founded. The principles of freedom, equality, and the pursuit of happiness as unalienable rights.
And at the center of all this activity in Arlington was our professional trucks drivers. These wonderful ambassadors humbly worked side by side with the volunteers, proudly showing off their trucks, posing for pictures and beaming with pride. It was a wonderful moment in time.
This holiday season, as we focus on gratitude and reflect on the positive things in life, I am personally grateful to live in this country. I am grateful for those that have sacrificed much, or even sacrificed all, to defend this country. I am grateful for the often-unsung heroes that carry the nation’s freight through rain, shine, hurricane or pandemic. They deliver out of a sense of responsibility and know that if they don’t perform, the nation stops. They make sacrifices of their own. And while their sacrifices may be different than those that lay in our National Memorial Cemeteries, they are not without significance.
Happy holidays to all our Professional Truck Drivers. Thank you for all that you do.
