TravelCenters Joins Efforts to Honor Fallen Soldiers
WESTLAKE, Ohio — TravelCenters of America LLC joined Wreaths Across America (WAA) in its annual wreath-laying ceremony honoring fallen soldiers.
The operator of TA and Petro Stopping Centers teamed with the Truckload Carriers Association’s (TCA) and its coordination of wreath deliveries. As part of its efforts, a TravelCenters corporate distribution truck and driver participated in the pick-up and delivery of wreaths from Harrington, Maine, to Arlington National Cemetery in Washington, D.C., for the Dec. 13 ceremony.
"Trucking plays an important role in delivering the wreaths, and this year, as Arlington National Cemetery celebrates its 150th anniversary, we are honored to have one of our trucks and drivers play such an important part in this event," said Tom O'Brien, president and CEO of TravelCenters. "Throughout the year, we honor veterans on military holidays at our sites. I'm happy that we have found another way to show our respect to our veterans, especially during the Christmas season."
Along the route to Arlington National Cemetery, trucks carrying wreaths, escort vehicles, and veterans invited by Wreaths Across America, stopped at the Petro Stopping Centers location in Bordentown, N.J., on Dec. 10. The drivers and vets were served dinner at the Iron Skillet and spread the WAA message about the importance of remembering our fallen heroes and honoring those who served.
More than 25,000 volunteers are expected to help place the 230,000 veteran wreaths at Arlington National Cemetery. This is the most wreaths ever donated, according to the travel center operator.
TravelCenters has been coordinating the nationwide effort of organizing professional truck driver and motor carrier donations of trucks, time and fuel for the WAA annual event since 2012. The organization is a not-for-profit charity that delivers remembrance wreaths to military cemeteries across the United States. These activities are made possible by volunteers who help raise funds to sponsor the wreaths and participate in the event.
Westlake-based TravelCenters of America LLC operates travel centers in 43 states and Canada operating under the TA and Petro Stopping Centers brands. Its 251 full-service locations offer diesel and gasoline fueling services, more than 500 full- and quick-service restaurants, 24-hour convenience stores, heavy truck maintenance services, RoadSquad Connect and Reserve-It.
TravelCenters also operates gasoline/convenience stores in Kentucky and Tennessee under the Minit Mart brand name.