Wreaths Across America Escort to Arlington makes meaningful Delaware stop in Dover

The Wreaths Across America Escort to Arlington made its only Delaware stop on Thursday, Dec. 11, as Dover Motor Speedway hosted a powerful ceremony honoring America's fallen heroes.

Due to cold weather conditions, this year's event was relocated to Bally's Dover Casino Resort, where members of the Wreaths Across America convoy, Patriot Guard Riders, veterans, Gold Star Families, first responders, and community leaders gathered for a moving remembrance ceremony before continuing their journey to Arlington National Cemetery.

The multi-state escort, often described as the nation's longest veterans' parade, includes tractor-trailers carrying thousands of handmade balsam wreaths, accompanied by law enforcement escorts and supporters from across the country.

"Like so many in attendance, I was deeply moved by the heartfelt remarks from the Gold Star Family members," said Mike Tatoian, president and general manager of Dover Motor Speedway. "Their pain remains, but the attention and gratitude we show them and their loved ones is what matters most. We were honored to help create a setting worthy of that sacrifice, and we're grateful to Morrill and Karen Worcester and the entire Wreaths Across America team for allowing Dover to once again be part of this meaningful journey."

What began in 1992 as a single truck delivering wreaths from Maine to Arlington National Cemetery has grown into a nationwide movement. In recent years, millions of sponsored veterans' wreaths have been placed at thousands of participating cemeteries worldwide, supported by volunteers, sponsorship groups, corporate partners, and in-kind donations from the transportation industry.

At the conclusion of Thursday's ceremony, members of the escort departed Dover enroute to Arlington National Cemetery ahead of National Wreaths Across America Day on Saturday, Dec. 13.

The remembrance ceremony included the following participants and presentations:

• Introduction, Matt Pencek, Morning News Anchor, CoastTV
• Welcome Remarks, Mike Tatoian, President and GM, Dover Motor Speedway
• Presentation of Green Flag, Tiffany Strout, Wreaths Across America
• Presentation of Colors, 436th Airlift Wing Honor Guard, Dover Air Force Base
• Invocation, Ronald Gogan, Chaplin, Dover Air Force Base
• Pledge of Allegiance, Abraham Lee, Jonah Lee, and Josiah Worcester
• National Anthem Performer, Senior Master Sgt. Meco Morales, 9th Airlift Squadron, Dover Air Force Base
• Remarks, Colonel Jamil Musa, Commander, 436th Airlift Wing, Dover Air Force Base
• Remarks, Doug Poore, Kent County Coordinator, Wreaths Across America
• Remarks, Annette Kirk, National President of the American Gold Star Mothers Inc.
• "What is a Veteran's Wreath?" construction exercise
• Wreaths Across America Remarks, Karen Worcester, Exec. Director, Wreaths Across America
• Closing Remarks, Matt Pencek
• Amazing Grace, Delaware Celtic Society Pipe Band
• Taps, Bugles Across America

Additional elements of the ceremony included honorary wreath presentations and a special demonstration explaining the meaning behind each element of a veteran's wreath.

Dover Motor Speedway extends its sincere thanks to the many partners who donated their time and talents to help produce this year's event, including Bally's Dover Casino Resort, Carter Machinery, Collective Event Group, City of Dover Fire Department, City of Dover Police Department, Delaware Department of Transportation, Delaware State Police, International Sound Corporation, Little Creek Fire Company, Kent County Department of Public Safety (Paramedics & Ambulance Support), M&M Parking, Mission BBQ, Royal Prime Event, Waste Masters Solutions, and the many Dover Motor Speedway employees and volunteers who made the day possible.