Wreaths Across America Escort to Arlington making an important stop at Dover Motor Speedway on Thursday, Dec. 11

Dover Motor Speedway once again hosts the only First State stop on Wreaths Across America's annual trek down the East Coast to honor America's heroes laid to rest at Arlington National Cemetery on Thursday, Dec. 11. This marks the second annual visit to Dover Motor Speedway for the event.

Wreaths Across America's 60-vehicle convoy of tractor-trailers, Patriot Guard riders, veterans, Gold Star Families and first responders will parade through Delaware before arriving in Dover at the Monster Monument at Victory Plaza for a ceremony before making its way to Arlington.

The festivities will be hosted by Matt Pencek, on-air host of WRDE Coast TV.

The Thursday, Dec. 11 schedule includes (all times approx.):

3:15 p.m.: Convoy arrival at Dover Motor Speedway via Leipsic Road, featuring approximately 60 vehicles, including 13 tractor-trailers, 15 passenger vans, Patriot Guard Riders, law enforcement escorts, Gold Star family members, and first responders.

3:45 p.m.: Free remembrance ceremony begins at the Monster Monument at Victory Plaza, Dover Motor Speedway's iconic 46-foot landmark honoring Monster Mile champions. The one-hour program will feature patriotic presentations, wreath ceremonies, representatives from Dover Air Force Base, community and political leaders, musical tributes, special guest speakers, and a military flyover.

5:15 p.m.: Convoy departs Dover Motor Speedway, continuing its journey to Arlington National Cemetery ahead of National Wreaths Across America Day on Saturday, Dec. 13, 2025.

The event is free and open to the public. Free parking is available on Dover Motor Speedway property and guests should enter via Leipsic Road (not the Bally's Dover entrance on Rt. 13). In case of inclement weather, the event will move indoors to Bally's Dover Rollins Center ballroom, and signage on event day will direct fans accordingly.

The tradition of placing handmade balsam veterans' wreaths on fallen heroes' graves began with the Worcester Wreath Company of Harrington, Maine, in 1992. Related wreath-laying ceremonies are now held each December at 5,500-plus participating U.S. locations and overseas.

"We are honored to once again host Wreaths Across America's wonderful holiday tradition as it makes its way to Arlington National Cemetery," said Mike Tatoian, Dover Motor Speedway's president and general manager. "This event is a powerful recognition of the men and women that have carried the cost of freedom on their shoulders. We're inviting the whole community to enjoy the ceremony with us on Thursday, Dec. 11."

Dover Motor Speedway partners who are volunteering their time and talent to help produce this event include the following: Bally's Dover, Collective Event Group, City of Dover Fire Department, City of Dover Police Department, Delaware Department of Transportation, Delaware State Police, International Sound Corporation, Kent County Department of Public Safety, Paramedics & Ambulance support, M&M Parking, Mission BBQ, and Waste Masters Solutions.