PELION, SC - Every company has its own traditions, but not all of them leave you with a wholesome feeling and, possibly, a teary eye. Honoring our nation’s fallen military heroes, WP Rawl participated in Wreaths Across America Day this December for the fifth year in a row.

“In a year of so many uncertainties, we were happy to be able to continue the tradition of supporting Wreaths Across America,” said Ashley Rawl, Vice President of Sales, Marketing, and Product Development. “What better way to support our local heroes than by showing our thanks to the many men and women who are to thank for the many freedoms we have today?”

WP Rawl’s truck and trailer traveled from Pelion, South Carolina, to Columbia Falls, Maine, picking up thousands of evergreen wreaths along the way, a press release stated. The company gathered these fresh wreaths to adorn the headstones of veterans, a symbol that dates back centuries. Every year, wreath-laying ceremonies occur in over 1,000 locations across the U.S., abroad, and at sea.

WP Rawl has supported Wreaths Across America annually for the past five years by sponsoring wreaths, donating services, and sending employees who volunteered to lay wreaths on the headstones of fallen veterans. However, for the first time, the company gathered wreaths for two national cemeteries in its home state, South Carolina. WP Rawl delivered nearly 29,000 wreaths to Fort Jackson and Beaufort National Cemetery to honor the lives of the many soldiers who laid their lives down in the fight for freedom.

The Beaufort National Cemetary held a parade on December 19, where trucks full of cheering volunteers were escorted into the cemetery to deliver the wreaths. Among the volunteers was Craig Ruff, WP Rawl driver and Army veteran.

“It was an honor as a peacetime veteran to retrieve a load of wreaths from Maine and then to deliver them to the two national cemeteries,” Ruff said. “It was a humbling experience and great joy meeting all of the folks that want to honor our military heroes. I am grateful for WP Rawl for giving me the opportunity as an employee and veteran. Thank you! I am packed and ready for next year!”

Honoring American heroes is surely a tradition everyone can get behind. To find out how more companies in the fresh produce industry are making time for what really matters, keep a tab open forAndNowUKnow.

WP Rawl