Arpin Van Lines transported an estimated 5,000 wreaths from Columbia Falls, Maine to Arlington National Cemetery to be laid in memory of veterans during National Wreaths Across America Day on Dec. 14.
Wreaths Across America is a national nonprofit organization founded in 2007 to continue and expand the annual wreath-laying ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery started by Maine businessman, Morrill Worcester, in 1992. The organization coordinates wreath-laying ceremonies at more than 800 cemeteries and military memorials in all 50 states. In 2008, and each year since, Congress has issued a proclamation officially recognizing “Wreaths Across America Day” each December.
“When we opened up the trailer to allow the families of fallen veterans to take the first wreaths, I was immediately overcome with emotion,” said van operator Steven Meyer. “My wife and I are very proud to have been a part of this occasion to honor our fallen heroes.”
Arpin Van Lines, which is headquartered in West Warwick, volunteered to transport the wreaths for the occasion. Arpin is a family-owned and operated moving and storage company that has been operating for more than a century in Rhode Island. •
