S.Res. 476 – A resolution designating December 18, 2021, as "National Wreaths Across America…

III

117th CONGRESS

1st Session

S. RES. 476

IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES

December 8, 2021

Ms. Collins (for herself and Mr. King) submitted the following resolution; which was considered and agreed to

RESOLUTION

Designating December 18, 2021, as “National Wreaths Across America Day”.

Whereas 30 years before the date of adoption of this resolution, the Wreaths Across America project began with an annual tradition that occurs in December, of donating, transporting, and placing 5,000 Maine balsam fir veterans’ remembrance wreaths on the graves of the fallen heroes buried at Arlington National Cemetery;

Whereas, in the 30 years preceding the date of adoption of this resolution, more than 12,000,000 wreaths have been sent to various locations, including national cemeteries and veterans’ memorials in every State and overseas;

Whereas the mission of the Wreaths Across America project, to “Remember, Honor, and Teach”, is carried out in part by coordinating wreath-laying ceremonies in all 50 States and overseas, including at—

(1)

Arlington National Cemetery;

(2)

veterans cemeteries; and

(3)

other memorial locations;

Whereas the Wreaths Across America project carries out a week-long veteran’s parade between Maine and Virginia, stopping along the way to spread a message about the importance of—

(1)

remembering the fallen heroes of the United States;

(2)

honoring those who serve; and

(3)

teaching the next generation of children about the service and sacrifices made by our veterans and their families to preserve freedoms enjoyed by all in the United States;

Whereas, in 2020, despite the challenges posed by the ongoing COVID–19 pandemic, approximately 1,750,000 veterans’ remembrance wreaths were delivered to 2,557 locations across the United States and overseas;

Whereas, in December 2021, the tradition of escorting tractor-trailers filled with donated wreaths from Harrington, Maine, to Arlington National Cemetery will be continued by—

(1)

the Patriot Guard Riders; and

(2)

other patriotic escort units, including—

(A)

motorcycle units;

(B)

law enforcement units; and

(C)

first responder units;

Whereas hundreds of thousands of individuals volunteer each December to help lay veterans’ wreaths;

Whereas the trucking industry in the United States will continue to support the Wreaths Across America project by providing drivers, equipment, and related services to assist in the transportation of wreaths across the United States to more than 2861 locations;

Whereas the Senate designated December 19, 2020, as “Wreaths Across America Day”; and

Whereas, on December 18, 2021, the Wreaths Across America project will continue the proud legacy of bringing veterans’ wreaths to Arlington National Cemetery: Now, therefore, be it

That the Senate—

(1)

designates December 18, 2021, as National Wreaths Across America Day;

(2)

honors—

(A)

the Wreaths Across America project;

(B)

patriotic escort units, including—

(i)

motorcycle units;

(ii)

law enforcement units; and

(iii)

first responder units;

(C)

the trucking industry in the United States; and

(D)

the volunteers and donors involved in this worthy tradition; and

(3)

recognizes—

(A)

the service of veterans and members of the Armed Forces; and

(B)

the sacrifices that veterans, their family members, and members of the Armed Forces have made, and continue to make, for the United States, a great Nation.

A resolution designating December 18, 2021, as "National Wreaths Across America Day".

Legislative Activity

Floor Debate

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