Norfolk Southern joins Wreaths Across America to honor veterans

Making an Impact

Since its inception in 2007, WAA and their dedicated volunteers have placed wreaths on service member’s headstones. Each year, they have grown the numbers of wreaths laid.

Marietta National Cemetery in Georgia

On November 30, Norfolk Southern transferred thousands of wreaths from our trains to J.B. Hunt’s trucks in Ayer, Massachusetts, the starting point for the delivery of wreaths to thousands of cemeteries across the nation. From there, 300,000 wreaths were transported across Norfolk Southern’s 22-state network with the help of its veteran employees and J.B. Hunt.

On National Wreaths Across America Day, December 16, WAA coordinated wreath-laying ceremonies at more than 2,100 locations nationwide, at sea, and abroad. Norfolk Southern leaders including President and CEO Alan Shaw and Chief Marketing Officer Ed Elkins, as well as Norfolk Southern veteran employees, participated in a ceremony at the Marietta National Cemetery in Georgia.

Norfolk Southern President and CEO Alan Shaw

“Supporting veterans is essential to our culture at J.B. Hunt, and we are honored to participate in this event each year to remember our fallen veterans during the holiday season," said Brad Hicks, president of highway services and executive vice president of people at J.B. Hunt. “Working alongside providers like Norfolk Southern, we can help ensure that thousands of wreaths reach their final destination for National Wreaths Across America Day.”

Supporting the Military Community

Norfolk Southern is proud to employ more than 2,000 active and veteran service members.

As an employer of choice for veterans, Norfolk Southern is making a $25,000 donation to WAA, to further strengthen the organization’s initiatives. They are dedicated to aiding veterans as they return to civilian life and seek employment.

“Honoring the sacrifices made by our country’s Veterans alongside WAA, J.B. Hunt and other volunteers has been incredibly meaningful,” said Elkins. “At Norfolk Southern, we consider ourselves privileged to join WAA once again on their mission to Remember, Honor and Teach this holiday season.”