Leafy greens grower, processor and shipper WP Rawl, honored fallen military heroes by participating in Wreaths Across America Day earlier this month.
WP Rawl’s dedicated truck and trailer traveled from Pelion, South Carolina to Columbia Falls, Maine to pick up thousands of fresh evergreen wreaths to be placed on the headstones of veterans. The wreaths are a symbol used for centuries to recognize and honor the fallen.
Each year, National Wreaths Across America Day takes place in more than 1,600 locations in all 50 U.S. states, at sea and abroad and the tradition includes wreath-laying ceremonies.
For the first time in five years of participating, the company picked up wreaths for two national cemeteries in its home state of South Carolina. More than 28,500 wreaths were delivered to Fort Jackson and Beaufort National Cemetery for the headstones of the brave men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice.
More than 28,500 wreaths were delivered to Fort Jackson and Beaufort National Cemetery and laid on the headstones of those who have fallen.
“It was a humbling experience”
Beaufort National Cemetery held a parade on Saturday, December 19th where trucks were escorted into the cemetery with a crowd of cheering volunteers. Craig Ruff, WP Rawl driver and army veteran, had the honor of delivering both loads of wreaths. “It was an honor as a peace-time veteran to retrieve a load of wreaths from Maine and then deliver them to the two national cemeteries,” said Ruff. “It was a humbling experience and great joy meeting all of the folks that want to honor our military heroes. I am grateful to WP Rawl for giving me the opportunity as an employee and veteran. Thank you! I am packed and ready for next year!”
“In a year of so many uncertainties, we were happy to be able to continue the tradition of supporting Wreaths Across America,” said Ashley Rawl, vice-president of sales, marketing and product development for WP Rawl. “What better way to support our local heroes then by showing our thanks to the many men and woman who are to thank for the many freedoms we have today.”
WP Rawl has supported the Wreaths Across America organization throughout the years by donating services, sponsoring wreaths and sending employees who volunteered to lay wreaths on fallen veterans’ graves.
For more information:
Christine Jackson
WP Rawl
Tel: +1 (803) 894-1900
Email: christine.jackson@rawl.net
www.rawl.net