As many of you may know, Saia has been selected as a premier partner for Wreaths Across America, a nonprofit organization founded in 2007 by a group of volunteers to honor Americans who made the ultimate sacrifice by placing wreaths on graves at Arlington and other military cemeteries.

In doing so, they seek:  

• To remember, honor and cherish our fallen U.S. veterans;
• To honor the brave men and women who currently serve our great nation;
• And, to teach our children, our nation’s future, about what freedom means and why it is the foundation of our country.

Wreaths Across America does not receive any government funding. The organization’s financing comes solely from personal and corporate donations as well as volunteer truck drivers and companies who donate their time and equipment to support their mission.

December 16 has been designated, “National Wreaths Across America Day,” when we’ll honor and remember our nation’s fallen heroes during wreath-laying ceremonies at Arlington National Cemetery as well as 1,500 additional locations in the United States and abroad.

Saia will be participating in ceremonies being held at two national veterans’ cemeteries – Calverton National Cemetery and Long Island National Cemetery. For the past three years, Wreaths Across America has placed a wreath at every headstone in Arlington National Cemetery – an incredible 247,000 wreaths. This year, they have asked for our help to accomplish this same feat at the two cemeteries in New York.

Additionally, Saia employees will participate by assisting in the cross docking and transporting of wreaths to the sites in New York. Four Saia team members were chosen by our selection committee to participate this year:

• Grand Rapids Dockworker Garrett Frelix
• Garland City Driver Demetrio Garza
• Cleveland Mechanic Mike Loucek
• Denver City Driver Sean Tindell

This is a special honor these individuals have been given. We are proud to have them represent Saia as we look to remember those who sacrificed so much in service to our country.