Designating December 16, 2023, as National Wreaths Across America Day.

Designating December 16, 2023, as National Wreaths Across America Day. Whereas 32 years before the date of adoption, the Wreaths Across America project began with an annual tradition that occurs in December of donating, transporting, and placing 5,000 Maine balsam fir veterans remembrance wreaths on the graves of the fallen heroes buried at Arlington National Cemetery; Whereas, in the past 32 years, more than 17,100,000 wreaths have been sent to various locations, including national cemeteries and veterans memorials in every State and overseas; Whereas the mission of the Wreaths Across America project, to Remember, Honor, and Teach (1) Arlington National Cemetery; (2) veterans' cemeteries; and (3) other memorial locations; Whereas the Wreaths Across America project carries out a week-long veterans' parade between Maine and Virginia, stopping along the way to spread a message about the importance of (1) remembering the fallen heroes of the United States; (2) honoring those who serve; and (3) teaching the next generation of children about the service and sacrifices made by our veterans and their families to preserve freedoms enjoyed by all in the United States; Whereas, in 2022, approximately 2,700,000 veterans remembrance wreaths were delivered to over 3,700 locations across the United States; Whereas, in December 2023, the tradition of escorting tractor-trailers filled with donated wreaths from Harrington, Maine, to Arlington National Cemetery, will be continued by (1) the Patriot Guard Riders; and (2) other patriotic escort units, including (A) motorcycle units; (B) law enforcement units; and (C) first responder units; Whereas hundreds of thousands of individuals volunteer each December to help lay veterans wreaths; Whereas the trucking industry in the United States will continue to support the Wreaths Across America project by providing drivers, equipment, and related services to assist in the transportation of wreaths across the United States to more than 4,000 locations; Whereas the Senate designated December 17, 2022, as Wreaths Across America Day; and Whereas, on December 16, 2023, the Wreaths Across America project will continue the proud legacy of bringing veterans' wreaths to Arlington National Cemetery: Now, therefore, be it That the Senate (1) designates December 16, 2023, as National Wreaths Across America Day (2) honors (A) the Wreaths Across America project; (B) patriotic escort units, including (i) motorcycle units; (ii) law enforcement units; and (iii) first responder units; (C) the trucking industry in the United States; and (D) the millions of volunteers and donors involved in this worthy tradition; and (3) recognizes (A) the service of veterans and members of the Armed Forces; and (B) the sacrifices that veterans, their family members, and members of the Armed Forces have made, and continue to make, for this great Nation.

Summary: This resolution designates December 16, 2023, as National Wreaths Across America Day and honors the Wreaths Across America project, patriotic escort units, the U.S. trucking industry, and the volunteers and donors involved in this tradition. Additionally, the resolution recognizes the service and sacrifices of veterans, members of the Armed Forces, and their families.