BRIDGEVILLE, Pa. — More than 15,000 wreaths will get placed on the graves of veterans at the National Cemetery of the Alleghenies this Saturday.
But before that happens, around two dozen volunteers spent Wednesday morning unloading boxes and boxes of greenery to set the stage for the annual Wreaths Across America ceremony.
“We could not honor our veterans this holiday season without the support of our community,” said Brynnly Schwartz, Wreaths Across America’s volunteer coordinator in the area.
The shipment of wreaths takes multiple truckloads.
“It’s one of the best loads you’ll haul your entire career as a truck driver. It’s a load of honor for all our fallen heroes,” said truck driver Jason Trego with T Force Freight.
His company covered all the delivery costs over the last week as he drove from his home in Maryland up to Maine to pick up the wreaths and then down to Bridgeville to drop them off.
“This pays respect to the veterans who have gone before us and paid for our sacrifice to live in this country,” said Trego. “It’s just a small token to appreciate them and show them the respect that they deserve.”
More than 2,000 volunteers are expected to be on hand Saturday to place the wreaths as part of the annual holiday tradition, which pays tribute to so many who gave so much to their country and their communities.
“It’s an awesome experience to see. Once all the wreaths are out, it’s just beautiful,” said Ed Hajduk, the cemetery’s director. “When you look at all the headstones all in alignment, that is the cost of freedom.”
The wreath laying gets underway at noon on Saturday.
Download the FREE WPXI News app for breaking news alerts.
Follow Channel 11 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch WPXI NOW
This browser does not support the video element.