A Decade of Remembrance: Ashley Marks Tenth Annual Wreaths Across America Ceremony Honoring Our Nation’s Heroes
ARCADIA, Wis. – Ashley Furniture Industries, LLC (Ashley) marked a decade of honoring America’s heroes at its tenth annual Wreaths Across America ceremony at Soldiers Walk Memorial Park in Arcadia, WI. Standing alongside more than 5,200 participating locations nationwide, this premier war memorial became a beacon of remembrance, uniting the surrounding community in a powerful tribute to those who served and sacrificed for our freedom.
Ashley employees, Western Technical College President and Staff Sergeant Roger Stanford, Tickfer-Erickson American Legion Post 17, Boy Scout Troop 64, local veterans, active service members and their families gathered together, transforming the memorial park into a living testament to gratitude and remembrance. Each wreath laid, each name spoken, carried forward a sacred promise: that no veteran will ever be forgotten.
The ceremony embodies a tradition that transcends generations—volunteers carefully placing live balsam wreaths at each memorial as a profound gesture of respect. Through the generous support of individual and organizational sponsors, these tangible tributes create lasting memorials that honor veterans, active-duty military personnel and their families. As each service member’s name echoes across the park, their legacy becomes eternal, woven into the fabric of our community and our nation’s story.
“As both an educator and a veteran, I believe it’s our responsibility to ensure the next generation understands the true cost of freedom,” stated Roger Stanford. “Today, as we lay these wreaths and speak each name aloud, we’re not just honoring those who served—we’re teaching a lesson that cannot be found in any textbook. Their sacrifice deserves to be remembered, and their stories deserve to be told.”
Ashley’s commitment extends far beyond this ceremony. Ahead of Wreaths Across America Day, Ashley Distribution Services (ADS) joined the ‘Honor Fleet’—a parade of trucks delivering hope and remembrance to participating cemeteries across the east coast. Since 2017, ADS has transported more than 326,500 wreaths across 54 loads to over 325 cemeteries, turning logistics into a mission of honor and transforming miles traveled into memories preserved.
Video Link: https://youtu.be/MXkAgWu9CRs
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Wreaths Across America is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization founded in 2007 to continue and expand the annual wreath-laying ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery begun by Maine wreath maker Morrill Worcester in 1992. The organization’s yearlong mission – Remember the fallen, Honor those who serve, Teach the next generation the value of freedom – is carried out, in part, each year by coordinating wreath-laying ceremonies in December at thousands of participating locations in all 50 states and beyond.
All Wreaths Across America Day events are, non-political/religious events, open to all people. For more information, to donate or to sign up to volunteer, please visit www.WreathsAcrossAmerica.org.
Ashley Furniture Industries, LLC (Ashley) feels that every person deserves more value for their money. Established in 1945, Ashley is the largest manufacturer of home furnishings in the world and strives to be the most innovative and competitive home furnishings company on the planet. From design through fulfillment, Ashley is committed to delivering the world’s best home furnishing values, selection and service, and earning the loyalty and trust of its customers every day. Visit Ashley online at www.ashleyglobal.com and “like” Ashley Furniture Industries on Facebook.
Ashley Distribution Services, LTD was established in 1974 by Ashley Furniture Industries, LLC and today is the industry’s largest motor carriers. Ashley Distribution Services delivers Ashley furniture to Ashley retail stores and customers throughout the U.S. With a growing fleet, Ashley Distribution Services continues to expand beyond delivering furniture. Visit Ashley Distribution Services online at www.ashleydistributionservices.com.