PCTVS Hosts Wreaths Across America

Press release from Passaic County Technical Vocational Schools:

Dec. 14, 2022

On Tuesday, December 13, 2022, Passaic County Technical Vocational Schools (PCTVS) proudly hosted the National Wreaths Across America (WAA) organization convoy escort stopover. The WAA convoy traveled through the Northeast US to Arlington National Cemetery to deliver over 60K wreaths in remembrance of our fallen soldiers.

During its PCTVS campus stopover the WAA convoy was welcomed with a fanfare by school and local community, veterans, and a performance by the PCTVS band students honoring US veterans. Before the convoys arrival students and visitors had the opportunity to learn more of the WAA organization and history with a visit from the 48-foot Wreaths Across America Mobile Educational trailer. Later the PCTI performing arts students performed patriotic dance numbers and theater students performed emotional readings as they memorialized the fallen soldiers by telling their stories.

Escorted by New Jersey State Police, the convoy included over 60 “decorated” vehicles among them: 13 tractor trailer trucks, SUV and passenger Vans, VIP Bus, Super duty customized pick-up truck, and Patriot Guard motorcycle riders – each decorated as symbols of patriotism.
Wreaths Across America is a nonprofit organization founded to continue and expand the annual wreath-laying ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery. The organization’s mission – Remember, Honor, Teach – is carried out in part each year by coordinating wreath-laying ceremonies in December at Arlington, Va. as well as at more than 2,000 veterans’ cemeteries and other locations in all 50 states and beyond.

“At Passaic County Technical Vocational Schools, patriotism has remained an important part of our school culture,” said PCTVS Superintendent John Maiello. “We are honored to have been chosen by the Wreaths Across America Organization as we continue to share the valuable educational experience about our country, the veterans who have served our country, and the price of freedom and sacrifice.”

The annual event coordinated by PCTVS Director of Communications, Sandra Woods and Patriotic Consultant, Cathy Pagano encouraged honor and remembrance to those who have served.

On Saturday, December 17, PCTVS will participate in National Wreaths Across America Day at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery in Totowa. Joining from afar in the wreath-laying ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery, as well as at more than 3,400 additional locations in all 50 U.S. states, at sea and abroad. PCTVS will donate more than 4,200 wreaths to be placed on veteran graves by students, staff, local veteran groups, and members of the community.

This press release was produced by Passaic County Technical Vocational Schools. The views expressed here are the author's own.