Saturday, December 12th was the official Wreaths Across America day as over 900,000 wreaths were placed at Veterans' graves all across this country in over 1000 cemeteries. I, along with 62 other truck drivers, rolled into Arlington Friday afternoon with 240,000 wreaths. The process of getting in went smoothly as the many volunteers from TCA (Truckload Carriers Association), Wreaths Across America, Patriot Guard Riders and other organizations were on hand to help get 
everyone into place.
My truck was placed near the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. As I was getting out of the truck Friday afternoon, I was approached by a soldier who wanted 4 wreaths. I asked him what he needed them for since the ceremony was tomorrow. He then told me that he was a Tomb Guard and that the wreaths would be going on the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. I was more than happy to grant his request as it was a special honor to have provided the wreaths to such an honored place inside Arlington National Cemetery. The four wreaths can be seen in this picture.
On Saturday, an estimated 40,000 volunteers arrived at Arlington to take part in the wreath laying. Many were veterans like myself and others had lost family members in war or were affected in some way. One thing we all had in common, we were all Patriots who thought it was important enough to honor the memories of our nation's warriors whom most had died before we were born.
We were instructed to read the name of the service member out loud before we placed the wreath on the grave and reminded that every grave had a story. Most people think of older people when they go to cemeteries, but in Arlington, most of the graves that I saw were of young men in their early 20's. Almost every kind of scenario that you can imagine is represented there.
It only took 2 hours to cover all the graves. What seemed like an impossible task, looked easy when 40,000 people showed up. After the graves were covered and the crowds left, only the truck drivers remained as we were waiting on our escort out. I was able to see the cemetery empty of crowds and completely covered with 240,000 Christmas wreaths. I've posted more pictures below from Saturday.
