In November and December, one of the busiest periods of the year for the transportation sector, the Wreaths Across America mission brings drivers together in an effort of unparalleled unity. With a positive, “can-do” work ethic, these professionals make it possible for Americans to honor millions of veterans laid to rest at home and overseas. In 2024, with over 4,600 participating locations, in addition to Arlington National Cemetery, transportation logistics are immense.

Many of these drivers are military veterans and say the truckload of fresh balsam-fir wreaths is the most precious cargo they transport in their careers. Wreaths Across America shares their stories in the “Trucking Tributes” feature online and on Wreaths Across America Radio.

The Bennett Family of Companies love their country and they stand for faith, freedom and family so when they decide to go all in for Wreaths Across America and the Andersonville National Cemetery you know it’s going to be BIG!

“Lee Gentry, our Executive Vice President, was the driving force behind connecting Wreaths Across America with the Bennett Family of Companies,” Polly Trotter, Sponsor Asset Coordinator for Bennett, explained how the company got started with the mission to remember, honor, and teach. “He leads our ambassadors and excites everyone to make sure that we are a carrier for you, and we are proud to haul wreaths for you across the United States. It’s a huge passion for everyone in the company.”

Let’s talk about Stars, Stripes and White Lines! Not only is it the title to a great tune by Tony Justice, but it’s also being billed as the World’s Largest Patriotic Truck Show at the Atlanta Motor Speedway, November 1-2, 2024. It’s going to be a good time for families and it’s FREE to get in with donations being suggested for parking and other activities. It’s also the last truck show of the year for the elite truck show division. You’ve got chances to WIN bragging rights and lots of cool prizes too in several categories of competition! “We have 18-wheelers, bobtail and combo, patriotic, the elite limited miles division and we also have a golf ball drop as part of the truck show,” Polly exclaimed enthusiastically. “Two thousand golf balls will be dropped by a military Huey piloted by Lt. Col. (Ret) Fred Edwards. He’ll be hovering over a huge bullseye when he drops those golf balls and the closet to the pin can win ten-thousand dollars.”

Bill Trotter, VP of Recruiting, said last year was the first year for the ball drop and this year they’ve spent a lot of time working off that excitement and enthusiasm. “Last year we had our inaugural year, and we just had some jeeps on showcase, but the ball drop was so exciting that we when we started planning, we said let’s bring some trucks in next year. We want to make this the biggest blast, end-of-the-year showdown for the industry, and the best part of it is, it’s all for charity. It’s a Bennett event so of course we’ve put some time in but all the people behind the scenes are volunteers and it’s going to be an amazing event that we plan to do every year. Folks are going to see some big fancy patriotic trucks that don’t really see the highway all that much but are brought out just for shows. In addition to the excitement of the ball drop, we’re going to be doing tributes, and there will be concerts with Lindsay Lawler and Tony Justice. The camaraderie there is going to be just great and we’re going to raise a lot of money to cover veterans’ graves.” Bill went on to explain the show is for big rigs, jeeps, and motorcycles and there’s still time to get registered. “If you’ve got a good-looking bike, enter it!” Much of the voting will be left up to the “people’s choice” so the public is more than welcome, in fact, encouraged to attend. The Wreaths Across America Mobile Education Exhibit will be on site welcoming home Vietnam veterans.

The enthusiasm shared by Polly, Bill, Lee, and the entire team at the Bennett Family of Companies is palpable and infectious. They say the Wreaths Across America volunteers at Andersonville are incredible to work with and Bill shared why he is so passionate about the mission to remember, hoor, and teach. “From the very first time I went to Andersonville National Cemetery and saw the ceremony and all the graves covered with wreaths, it tugged at my heart strings, and I was hooked. It shows that we haven’t forgotten them and expresses our appreciation for those who have given their lives for our freedoms.”

Thank you, Bennett Family of Companies for helping support the mission to remember, honor, and teach.

If you’d like to join the Wreaths Across America Honor Fleet, you can get started with a click right here!

You can hear more with Polly and Bill Trotter on Trucking Tributes, which can be listened to every Truckin’ Tuesday at 11:00 AM and again at 4:00 PM EST on Wreaths Across America Radio and Wednesday at 8:30 AM EST on Sirius XM Channel 146, Road Dog Trucking Radio.

Discover the Trucking Tributes archive playlist on Soundcloud.com