A "Passing of the Wreaths" ceremony was held at the Walmart Distribution Center on Pottertown Road in Midway at 8 a.m. Wednesday in connection with the Wreaths Across America project.

Five Walmart tractor-trailers carrying wreaths to be placed on veterans' graves in national cemeteries across the country on Saturday had arrived at the Walmart Distribution Center on Tuesday night.

The wreaths would then be shipped quickly across the nation by Walmart drivers.

On Wednesday morning, Walmart associates gathered at the center along with representatives of local veterans' organizations and cadets from Greeneville High School's U.S. Air Force Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps to conduct a Passing of the Wreaths ceremony.

During the ceremony the drivers of the trucks that carried the wreaths here, exchanged places with drivers who were to drive the trucks on to Houston, by passing wreaths from driver to driver.

The ceremony began with the posting of the colors by a GHS Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps color guard.

After a tape of the national anthem was played, the invocation was offered by American Legion Post 64 Chaplain Grady Barefield.

General Transportation Manager Brian Bragdon addressed the assembled Walmart associates.

"I am honored to talk with you about Walmart's support of a very special charity," Bragdon said.

"Wreaths Across America (WAA) is a nonprofit organization which works to place memorial wreaths on graves of U.S. veterans in national cemeteries worldwide," he said.

"WAA is the charitable arm of the Worcester Wreath Company, located in Harrington, Maine. They do so much to recognize and honor our veterans. This year, with the involvement of Wreaths Across America, over 400 cemeteries will receive over 160,000 wreaths that will be placed on National Wreath Laying Day, Saturday, Dec. 12.

"Walmart is proud to sponsor 16,000 wreaths. Our sponsorship includes wreaths for Fayetteville and Arlington National Cemeteries.

"We are also sponsoring wreaths for ceremonies to remember those that lost their lives on Sept. 11, 2001 at the World Trade Center in New York City, the Pentagon, and Shanksville, Pa. (the crash site of highjacked Flight 93)."

In addition, Bragdon said, (Walmart) Transportation Logistics is donating 12 tractors and trailers for the transportation needs of WAA, Bragdon said.

"Each trailer is logoed to support Wreaths Across America. Deliveries will include cemeteries in Massachusetts, Texas, Tennessee, California, Georgia, South Carolina, and Arkansas," Bragdon said.

Funding for wreaths comes from companies and individuals who want to remember and honor those who have served our country, he said.

"Our associates will contribute to this charity but support for WAA could not happen without the Walmart Foundation," Bragdon said. "During challenging economic times, when giving is down, it is important for companies like ours to 'stand in the gap' and assist."

Bragdon also told the audience that thousands of veterans die each year.

"You may not realize that 48 million veterans have served our great nation since 1776," Bragdon said. "Over 80,000 veterans pass away each year, and there are over four million laid to rest in national cemeteries -- each one a story to be remembered (a father, a son, a brother, a mother, a daughter).

"We all owe our unwavering support and a deep debt of gratitude to these veterans for preserving the way of life we enjoy in the United States of America."

After Brandon's remarks, a Wreaths Across America video was shown.

Following the video, a formal Passing of the Wreath ceremony was conducted, with Walmart drivers Harley Ledford and Bobby Wimmer passing a wreath from one to the other.

Wreaths also were presented to Kelli and Mike Read, the parents of the late Sgt. Brandon Read, who was killed while on duty in Iraq.

The Reads are Walmart Distribution Center employees.

A moment of silence in honor of veterans was then observed.

After the playing of the military hymn "Taps," by the GHS Junior ROTC unit, the benediction was offered by Chaplain Barefield and the colors were retired by the GHS Junior ROTC unit.

For more information about the nationwide Wreaths Across America program, go online to www.wreathsacrossamerica.org.