Expanding Our Impact with National Wreaths Across America

This holiday season, we remain committed to honoring our nation's heroes in partnership with Wreaths Across America, a nonprofit organization that places wreaths on the graves of veterans and honors the service of active-duty military and their families. This year, we're proud to have reached a new milestone in that commitment, as our Outbound Logistics Team delivered wreaths to 13 veterans' cemeteries in Michigan and Ohio, the most ever for our team.

Among the locations were Fort Custer National Cemetery in Battle Creek, Mich., Toledo Memorial Park in Sylvania, Ohio, and several smaller cemeteries, including those in Hillsdale, Jackson, and Concord. Volunteers placed wreaths on veterans' graves as part of National Wreaths Across America Day, which occurs annually during the holiday season.

"We work with cemeteries and the VFW [Veterans of Foreign Wars of the U.S.] halls to make deliveries the week prior so they're ready for the wreath-laying ceremonies," said Dave Hoover, Director of Outbound Logistics at Meijer and a U.S. Army veteran.

"Our drivers, many of whom are veterans, take great pride in delivering these wreaths," Dave explained. "It's a way for them to continue serving and to honor their fellow service members."

Wreaths are donated by individuals or organizations and laid by volunteers as a gesture of respect and gratitude for the freedoms we enjoy. Volunteers are encouraged to say each veteran's name aloud when placing a wreath to ensure their memory lives on.

This year, Wreaths Across America will place more than 2 million wreaths on graves at over 4,600 locations across all 50 states, at sea, and abroad, part of the organization's mission to "Remember, Honor, and Teach."

Our partnership with Wreaths Across America extends beyond deliveries to cemeteries. In 2022, we sponsored their Mobile Education Exhibit, which toured communities across Michigan, Ohio, and Indiana. This mobile museum educates visitors about veterans' sacrifices and serves as an official "welcome home" station for Vietnam veterans.

"For centuries, fresh evergreens have symbolized honor and renewal," Dave said. "This tradition is a powerful reminder of the sacrifices our veterans have made and the freedoms we enjoy because of them."

We're honored to support Wreaths Across America in its mission.