TCA, Pilot Flying J Show Appreciation for Professional Truck Drivers at Wreath Across America Rally
Arlington, Virginia:
On Friday evening, TCA Chairman and Searcy Specialized’s Dan Doran and TCA Image Committee Co-Chair and Pilot Flying J’s Wendy Hamilton, recognized nearly 80 professional truck drivers during the 2018 Wreaths Across America (WAA) Appreciation Rally. The event was held prior to Saturday’s wreath-laying event in Arlington National Cemetery.
Nearly 800 people — trucking executives, professional truck drivers, military dignitaries, WAA convoy participants, and supporters — attended the event which was held from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. ET at the Crystal Gateway Marriott in Arlington, Virginia.
During the trucking industry presentation, Doran and Hamilton invited all professional truck drivers who were in the audience to come forward to be recognized; each received a one-of-a-kind, commemorative 2018 Wreaths Across America hat.
“Motor carriers have answered the call by not only delivering wreaths safely and on time to military veterans cemeteries, but by donating equipment, fuel, and most importantly their drivers’ time,” said Doran. “Tonight, let’s celebrate this great nation as well as the professional truck drivers who help carry out Wreaths Across America’s mission of Remember, Honor, Teach.”
Long-time sponsor Pilot Flying J’s Hamilton added, “The truckload of wreaths that you delivered earlier today to Arlington National Cemetery, Quantico National Cemetery, or the United States Soldiers’ and Airmen’s Home National Cemetery, is a truckload of respect. Many of you have served our country as well as our industry and for that we are forever grateful.”
Additionally, attendees heard from WAA’s Founder Morrill Worcester, WAA’s Executive Director Karen Worcester and WAA’s Head of Corporate Outreach Renee Worcester; blessing of the meal by Baylor Trucking, Inc.’s Cari Baylor; keynote speaker Honorable Patrick J. Murphy; National Anthem by Medal of Honor Recipient James “Doc” McCloughan; a closing benediction from American Gold Star Mothers, Inc. Maryland Chapter President Janice Chance; and a performance by country music singer Mark Willis accompanied by the U.S. Army Field Band Six-String Soldiers.
For several years, TCA hosted a driver appreciation dinner on the Friday night before National Wreaths Across America Day. On this day, WAA’s mission is carried out by coordinating wreath-laying ceremonies at Arlington National Cemetery, as well as at more than 1,600 additional locations in all 50 U.S. states, at sea and abroad.
To learn more about Wreaths Across America, visit www.wreathsacrossamerica.org.