BNSF Delivers Wreaths to National Cemeteries to Honor Veterans

As the holidays approach, BNSF Railway, in collaboration with J.B. Hunt Transport, is helping transport 227,000 wreaths for Wreaths Across America ahead of ceremonies planned for today in Riverside and Stockton, California, Seattle, Washington and Phoenix, Arizona.

To express appreciation for veterans and their families during the hustle and bustle of the season, Wreaths Across America (WAA) has a mission to “Remember, Honor and Teach.” Every year since 2007, WAA has coordinated wreath laying at national cemeteries, as well as locations in all 50 U.S. states, at sea and abroad.

“This is a great way to work with our customer, J.B. Hunt, as well as our country’s veterans and their families,” said Matt Igoe, Executive Vice President and Chief Operations Officer. He added, “Having served in the U.S. Army, I am especially proud that BNSF is able to help fulfill WAA’s goal of putting a wreath on every veteran’s grave.”

BNSF trains began moving the J.B. Hunt containers in late November from Chicago to points west, including Phoenix, Seattle and Stockton and San Bernardino, California. Special graphics identify the WAA trucks, which, along with the truck drivers who are veterans or have a direct association with a veteran, make up WAA’s “Honor Fleet.”

This year an estimated 2.5 million wreaths will be delivered from Maine to more than 3,400 cemeteries.