Wreaths Across America's Trucking Tributes Presents Heart of Maine Construction


Professional drivers and trucking companies give so much to the nation. Without the transportation industry, the Wreaths Across America mission to remember, honor, and teach would be nearly impossible. Veterans’ wreaths move by planes, trains, ships, and livestock trailers, but trucks and their professional drivers transport the lion’s share of America’s respect. In 2021, to be specific, 525 truckloads of wreaths were delivered, representing 390 different carriers.

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, that unity makes it possible for Americans to honor millions of veterans laid to rest here at home and overseas. With over 3,136 participating locations, in addition to Arlington National Cemetery, transportation logistics are immense.

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

Timothy Tiess doesn’t fit the mold for a professional, big-rig driver. Still, he does have a trailer, and he fills it every year with America’s respect and, depending on the year, does multiple runs throughout the state of Maine leading up to National Wreaths Across America Day. “Not only does Wreaths Across America go to Arlington National Cemetery, their goal is to touch every cemetery in the nation where a veteran is buried, “Tim shared. “I’d like to think I’ve played a part in reaching some of the smaller cemeteries. Sometimes I only deliver one box to a cemetery; for others, it could be fifty boxes. I have a small twelve-foot trailer, and I clean it out for this and make multiple trips throughout Maine.”

Even though his trailer is small compared to the “big rigs,” Tim’s impact on the mission is essential, and he’s making life-long friends while hauling veterans’ wreaths. “This will be my fifth year taking wreaths to the town of Unity,” Tim explained. “The location coordinator there, Melanie Cole, has sent me Christmas gifts every year. I’m invited to the Wreath Ceremony every year, and one year, I had the chance to lay the Navy wreath as part of the ceremony. It’s quite an honor to not only deliver the wreaths but participate in a wreath-laying ceremony.” Tim fully understands the evolution of the “stem to stone” story and its impact on other people’s lives.

Tim is a disabled veteran who served in the U.S. Navy from 1992 to 1995. His patriotism drives his passion. “It was an honor to serve my country, and I’d do it again in a heartbeat, “he expressed. “I’d stand up for my country and the veterans who served whenever needed that I could do. I have a long line of military service as part of my family history.” Tim also engages his young children, Timmy and Ezekiel, in the mission. “I bring my kids with me. It’s important. The remember, honor, teach slogan is proven time and time again to bring people together in this country.”

When individuals like Tim step up to serve smaller communities in their states where some big trucks can’t maneuver or last-minute requests to transport a smaller quantity of wreaths become necessary, it reduces costly shipping and handling expenses the organization would otherwise incur.

Thank you, Tim, and your family for supporting the mission to remember, honor, and teach. You can hear more of Tim’s interview on Trucking Tributes heard every Trucking Tuesday on Wreaths Across America Radio.

If you’d like to get involved, visit, trucking.wreathsacrossamerica.org