PATRIOTISM — Bill Prolago, a member of Wintersville American Legion Post 557 and director of its American Legion Riders, stood with the U.S. flag as a Wal-Mart truck loaded with wreaths for the graves of veterans departed from the Wintersville Wal-mart Distribution Center. -- Christopher Dacanay

WINTERSVILLE — The local Wal-Mart Distribution Center gave a reverent send-off on Thursday to one of its trucks that was bound for two cemeteries in Grafton, W.Va., to provide wreaths for veterans and the graves of their families.

The distribution center on state Route 43 held its first wreath passing ceremony, incorporating remarks from the Wintersville American Legion Post 557. Immediately afterward, a truck departed for the West Virginia National Cemetery and Grafton National Cemetery, escorted to the Ohio state line by local first responders.

Efforts were part of the 2024 Wreaths Across America observance. Held annually in December, the observance sees volunteers place millions of wreaths on the graves of service member, spanning more than 4,200 locations in the U.S. and beyond.

Wal-Mart has participated in the Wreaths Across America initiative for 17 years, recalled Heather Jameyson-Henry, general transportation manager at the Wintersville Wal-Mart Distribution Center. Although her transportation office has joined in previous wreath convoys, this is its first year hosting a wreath passing ceremony and delivering wreaths directly to a cemetery.

“I love our military, and anything that I can find to do to promote or support them, that’s one of my passions,” Jameyson-Henry said after the ceremony. “So, when this opportunity came across, there was no way I was not going to seize it.”

ON A MISSION — A Wal-Mart truck driven by Dalanie Barefoot prepared to depart from the Wintersville distribution center and drive to the West Virginia National Cemetery and Grafton National Cemetery. -- Christopher Dacanay

This load will arrive at the West Virginia National Cemetery in time for a wreath laying ceremony at noon on Saturday. Wal-Mart associates, managers and regional leaders from Ohio and West Virginia are expected to attend. Volunteers will place wreaths in the Grafton National Cemetery at 3 p.m.

A partnership between Wintersville’s office and Wal-Mart stores in the Grafton area made the effort possible, Jameyson-Henry said, with the latter hosting fundraisers to ensure all 8,703 graves in the two cemeteries are covered.

In all, Wal-Mart will facilitate wreath placements at more than 100,000 graves across the nation. Jameyson-Henry said that 118 total drivers will deliver wreaths to 28 locations, stopping at 48 transportation offices along the way.

Tom Hunter, Wintersville American Legion Post 557’s sergeant-at-arms, said during that ceremony that he’s honored to be part of an initiative that is “truly beautiful” — one that connects and unifies communities across the nation.

“Wreaths Across America is more than just a day of laying wreaths at the grave sites of our fallen heroes,” he said. “It is a movement, a call to action to remember, honor and teach. Today, we’re not just transporting decorations. We’re delivering symbols of respect and remembrance to honor those who have given their lives in service to our country.”

REVERENCE — Jay Shelton of Wintersville American Legion Post 557 played taps as other post members presented the colors during the wreath passing ceremony at the Wintersville Wal-Mart Distribution Center. -- Christopher Dacanay

A nonprofit organization, Wreaths Across America evolved from the Arlington Wreath Project, which began in 1992 when Morrill Worcester — owner of the Worcester Wreath Co. in Harrington, Maine — donated 5,000 Christmas wreaths to Arlington National Cemetery. The nonprofit, which formed in 2007, now facilitates the annual laying of wreaths.

Each wreath represents the story and sacrifice of an individual, as well as “a family’s loss and a nation’s gratitude,” Hunter said. Every name said aloud and wreath laid ensures that the memory of the country’s heroes lives on, and their stories encourage those now living to act with the same courage, integrity and patriotism.

“I want to take a moment to acknowledge everyone here who made this possible,” Hunter said. “Thank you for unwavering support and logistical excellence in helping us deliver these wreaths. You are an essential part of this mission.”

Hunter thanked the truck’s driver, Dalanie Barefoot, who is “carrying hope and memory across the miles,” and all others who participated in the ceremony. To those, he said, “Your presence sends a message to our Gold Star families and to our veterans that their sacrifices are seen, valued and cherished.”

Jameyson-Henry presented a ceremonial wreath to Barefoot that will hang on the grill of her truck throughout her trip.

Barefoot been driver with Wal-Mart for more than five years. Jameyson-Henry noted that Barefoot is driving “in remembrance and honor” of her whole military family, including her late husband, Daniel, a Marine Corps veteran; her father, a 30-year Navy service member; her brother, a 20-year Navy service member, and her sister, a four-year Navy service member.

Officials with Wintersville Fire and Rescue, the Jefferson County Sheriff Department and the Ohio State Highway Patrol escorted Barefoot’s truck to the Ohio state line.