Washington, D.C. — Pilot Company and BCB Live have re‑joined forces for a second year to sponsor Wreaths Across America Radio, and this time Stars and Stripes steps in as a new media partner. The partnership launches the 2023 broadcast on December 9, running through the morning of December 16, the day that marks National Wreaths Across America Day.
Truckers across the country, many of whom are veterans or family members of those who served, have long found the Wreaths Across America events a meaningful way to honor the sacrifices made by Gold Star and Blue Star families. The radio station’s 24‑hour programming is designed to keep the community connected, offering live updates from the Arlington escort, the Annual Appreciation Dinner, and rallies in Crystal City, Virginia. For drivers who spend long stretches on the road, the streaming feed provides a way to stay involved with the veteran community from any location.
Jeff Pierce, director of broadcast and media partnerships at Wreaths Across America, said the collaboration gives the station the reach it needs to bring the week’s events to listeners nationwide. “Pilot Company is an invaluable supporter throughout the entire Wreaths Across America program year after year, and we are grateful to BCB Live for returning this year to help us with this effort,” Pierce noted. “The addition of Stars and Stripes as a media partner allows us to provide better opportunities for Wreaths Across America Radio listeners to be a part of the week’s events.” The 2023 escort will span 12 days, with the final ceremony on December 16 at Arlington National Cemetery. A total of 259,000 sponsored wreaths are needed to place a wreath on every eligible marker, and the organization is asking for $17 sponsorships to meet that goal. Volunteering or sponsoring can be arranged through the Wreaths Across America website.
What This Means for Drivers
For CDL‑A drivers and owner‑operators, the broadcast offers a chance to support veterans without leaving the rig. Truckers can tune in via the iHeart Radio, Audacy, or TuneIn apps while on the road, keeping them connected to the community and providing a sense of purpose during long hauls. The event also opens a door for drivers to volunteer in person on the weekend of December 16, should they be in the Washington, D.C. area. Many carriers sponsor veteran outreach programs, and participation in the escort can strengthen a company’s reputation among trucking companies hiring veteran talent. Additionally, the broadcast highlights FMCSA regulations related to driver safety and community engagement, reminding drivers that their professionalism extends beyond the highway.
Industry Reaction
Trucking associations across the country have expressed support for the Wreaths Across America Radio initiative. The National Association of Small Trucking Companies (NASTC) noted that veteran drivers often bring leadership and discipline to the road, and events like this reinforce the industry’s commitment to those who served. The American Trucking Associations (ATA) also highlighted the importance of community outreach, urging carriers to encourage their drivers to participate in volunteer efforts such as the Arlington escort.
Key Points
- Pilot Company and BCB Live sponsor the 2023 Wreaths Across America Radio broadcast.
- Stars and Stripes joins as a media partner, expanding live coverage to the Arlington escort and related events.
- The broadcast will run 24/7 from December 9 to December 16, featuring live ceremonies, interviews, and the Annual Appreciation Dinner.
- Truckers can listen via iHeart Radio, Audacy, TuneIn, or the Wreaths Across America website, and volunteers can help place 259,000 wreaths on the cemetery’s markers.
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