On November 11th, in observance of Veterans’ Day, Hammond Lumber Company launched a six-week fundraising campaign. The initiative encourages online sponsorship donations for wreaths on National Wreaths Across America Day. These wreaths serve as meaningful symbols of remembrance, and placed on the graves of our country’s fallen servicemen and women nationwide. This annual tribute unites communities in honoring the sacrifices made by our military personnel.
During the week of the ceremony, one of our box vans and chip trailer made the journey to Columbia Falls, ME to retrieve almost 6500 remembrance wreaths. Over 700 carriers, all making the same trip to pick up wreaths and disburse throughout the country.
On Saturday, December 16th, our fleet departed from the Belgrade branch, delivering wreaths to multiple veteran cemeteries in Maine. Eager volunteers warmly welcomed the trucks, prepared to honor, remember and teach as they carefully placed each wreath. Part of this touching tradition involves saying the fallen hero’s name as the the wreath is placed.
Maine Veteran Cemeteries stops and wreath counts:
- Togus National Cemetery in Chelsea, ME
- East & West Cemetery – over 5000 wreaths
- Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Augusta, ME
- Over 300 wreaths
- Maine Veterans Cemetery in Augusta, ME
- Over 800 wreaths
- Veteran Cemeteries in Greene, ME
- Over 300 wreaths
Hammond Lumber Company along with the entire Hammond team, are proud and grateful to have been able to participate in WAA Day.
Photos by Dave Dostie Photography www.dostiephoto.com
