Arpin Van Lines’ drivers deliver over 140,000 wreaths to veteran cemeteries

WEST WARWICK, R.I. – Arpin Van Lines’ drivers and agents from locations across the Northeast, Midwest and South, volunteered to collect and deliver remembrance wreaths to be laid at veteran cemeteries on National Wreaths Across America Day on December 16.

“We are honored to be participating in Wreaths Across America for our fifth year,” said Anthony Uriati, vice president of operations for Arpin Van Lines. “Each year our participation has grown, starting with one driver in 2013 to now 26 across the country, who deliver wreaths to veteran cemeteries in their areas. Wreaths Across America Day has become cemented as a valued tradition among our drivers who use this occasion to pay their respects to our fallen heroes.” Each Arpin trailer carried 600 boxes containing 5,400 wreaths. Combined, the 26 Arpin drivers and agents delivered 140,400 wreaths to veteran cemeteries across the United States for remembrance ceremonies. Two Arpin drivers carried 10,800 wreaths to Arlington National Cemetery in Virginia. In Rhode Island, Arpin volunteers were present at the Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Exeter to take part in a memorial service for the veterans. Current and retired service members from all branches of the Armed Forces were represented. Following the ceremony, volunteers helped lay 1,800 wreaths on veterans’ graves. Wreaths Across America generously donated an added 2,200 wreaths which Arpin delivered to the cemetery on December 21 to be placed the following day. The Arpin Charitable Fund was an official fundraising sponsor of the Rhode Island Veterans Memorial Cemetery. Donors raised enough money to purchase 86 wreaths to be laid at the cemetery. Wreaths Across America is a national nonprofit organization, founded in 2007, to continue and expand the annual wreath-laying ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery started by Maine businessman, Morrill Worcester, in 1992. The organization coordinates wreath-laying ceremonies at more than 800 cemeteries and military memorials in all 50 states. In 2008, and each year since, Congress has issued a proclamation officially recognizing “Wreaths Across America Day” each December. More information may be found on the organization’s website at www.wreathsacrossamerica.org.