WP Rawl of Pelion, S.C., a grower/shipper/processor of leafy greens, again participated in Wreaths Across America’ Honor Fleet. The company has participated in the event for the past three years, according to a news release.
Volunteers all over the U.S.honor fallen veterans each December by participating in an annual wreath-laying ceremony. The wreaths, adorned with a red bow, are placed on the graves of fallen veterans.
The annual tribute began in 1992 with Morrill Worcester and his wife Karen Worcester at Arlington National Cemetery. In 2007 Wreaths Across America was formed to honor fallen veterans and since has grown to over 1,400 locations, in 50 states, at sea and abroad. The mission of Wreaths Across America is to ‘Remember, Honor and Teach.’
This year, WP Rawl picked up the wreaths in Columbia Falls, Maine and carried them to Beaufort National Cemetery in South Carolina. The truck’s exterior was displayed with a picture of a national cemetery and included a message of awareness for Wreaths Across America.
“It was very nice to see the turnout this past weekend at the National Cemetery in Beaufort. It was packed. I enjoyed seeing everyone pitching in and helping out,” Darren Gambill, WP Rawl truck driver and a U.S. Army Veteran. The playing of the bagpipes was very moving. It was great to be able to experience this for the first time.”
“Many of our Rawl family members and family of employees are veterans or families of veterans,” Ashley Rawl, vice president of sales, marketing and product development for the company, said in the release. “Participating in Wreaths Across America is a great way to show our gratitude to veterans like Darren as well as honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice for us.”