TYSONS, Va.–PenFed Credit Union is the premier sponsor and exclusive digital content producer of Wreaths Across America, following the complete wreaths escorts journey and laying of wreaths at national cemeteries around the country this December.
For the first time ever, all Americans will be able to see the Wreaths Across America patriotism in action and join the nationwide movement virtually as volunteers and organizations lay wreaths on the graves of veterans to commemorate their sacrifices on behalf of our country, the credit union said.
PenFed Digital is the only group following Wreaths Across America’s week-long escort from Maine, where the wreaths are assembled, to the laying of the wreaths at Arlington National Cemetery, stopping along the route to highlight stories of resilience, hope, and inspiration. PenFed Digital and Wreaths Across America are overcoming pandemic-related challenges to ensure fallen heroes are honored safely.
The journey will take place from Sunday, Dec. 13 through National Wreaths Across America Day, Saturday, Dec. 19, and additional content of the events leading up to the escort departure can be followed via Wreaths Across America’s Facebook and PenFed’s Twitter.
In 2019, approximately 2.2 million veteran wreaths were placed on headstones at 2,158 participating locations around the country in honor of the service and sacrifices made for our freedoms, with each name said out loud.
“We are proud to partner with Wreaths Across America to tell the stories of our nation’s veterans – the men and women who served to protect our freedoms,” said James Schenck, president/CEO of PenFed Credit Union and CEO of PenFed Foundation. “It’s even more important that we continue to support the military community and give back during these uncertain times. This year is going to be especially memorable with both in-person events and the sharing of many incredible stories via social media with those as home. Everyone needs patriotism this holiday season and PenFed is proud to support Wreaths Across America’s mission to remember, honor and teach.”
Led by Andrea McCarren, an award-winning nationally recognized journalist with decades of experience, PenFed Digital will be following the Wreaths Across America’s escort stretching from Maine to Virginia. The health and safety of all volunteers and participants is a top priority for Wreaths Across America and the organization is following national and local COVID-19 guidelines during all events and activities.
A video featuring Karen and Morrill Worcester, founders of the wreaths movement that continues to sweep across the nation and inspires patriotism, can be viewed here.
Wreaths Across America escort stops on the route to Arlington National Cemetery include (all stops are subject to change):
· Ellsworth, Maine (parade through town)
· Central Maine Veterans Memorial, Winslow, Maine
· Eastpoint Church, Portland, Maine
· Westbrook (Maine) Elementary School
· Kennebunk (Maine) High School
· Kittery Trading Post (Maine)
· American Legion Post 338, Southwick, MA
· Branford, CT Regal Cinemas
· St. Ann’s Club, Norwalk, CT
· Vietnam Veterans Museum, Liberty Park, NJ
· Montgomery Upper Middle School, Skillman, NJ
· Holy Rosary Church, Guardians of the Defenders Memorial, Claymont, DE
· Whitehall Village, DE
· American Legion Post 278 Kent Island, Stevensville, MD
· Vietnam Wall Memorial, DC
· Korean War Memorial, DC
· World War II Memorial, DC
Wreath sponsorships through the PenFed Foundation Wreaths Across America page provides $5 of each sponsorship to supporting the Foundation's mission to empower military service members, veterans, and their communities with the skills and resources to realize financial stability and opportunity.
In March, the PenFed Foundation became the first national Veterans Service Organization (VSO) to launch a COVID-19 relief program for emergency financial assistance for veterans and service members. The COVID-19 relief program has assisted more than 1,100 military heroes and their families.