You’ve probably heard about Wreaths Across America, the initiative in the US that sees volunteers lay wreaths upon the graves of fallen soldiers? Trucking plays a big role in that campaign, transporting the wreaths and donating manpower to contribute to the cause. Well, the program has moved into Canada, and the trucking industry here is also set to play a big part.

As Daniela Piteo reports, Wreaths Across Canada has been founded by Craig McPhee, a retired warrant officer with the Royal Canadian Air Force, who was inspired by the American initiative. In early December, our associate publisher Kathy Penner visited Beechwood National Cemetery in Ottawa to help lay wreaths on veterans’ graves. She was with husband Rob Penner, COO and executive vice-president of Bison Transport. Rob said he was impressed with the gesture – which saw 2,900 wreaths placed on veterans’ graves – and offered up Bison’s support for the program.

“I was interested in trying to help get a similar effort off the ground here in Canada and much to my surprise, I learned that Wreaths Across Canada had already been founded,” he told Daniela. “I knew that I had to help and that I would also have the backing of Bison Transport, so here we are, looking to help the founders grow this into something our entire nation can support and get behind.” This year, a total of 2,900 wreaths were laid on the graves of Canadian veterans. You can read more about the program here or visit www.wreathsacrosscanada.ca.