Wreaths Across America escort to Arlington comes to Monster Mile on Thursday, Dec. 12

Dover Motor Speedway hosts the only First State stop on Wreaths Across America's annual trek to honor America's heroes at Arlington National Cemetery on Thursday, Dec. 12.

SPONSOR A WREATH, HELP DELAWARE KIDS

Wreaths Across America's 60-vehicle convoy of tractor-trailers, Patriot Guard riders, veterans, Gold Star Families first responders and the Dover Motor Speedway pace car will parade to the Monster Monument at Victory Plaza for a ceremony before making its way to Arlington.

The Thursday, Dec. 12 schedule includes (all times approximate):

• 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.: Veterans Fair - Free and open to all veterans and their families. The Wreaths Across America Mobile Education Exhibit will also be set up at Dover Motor Speedway to give free tours.
• 12:15 p.m.: Convoy featuring 14-15 tractor-trailers, Patriot Guard rides and other law enforcement, Gold Star family members, first-responders and the Dover Motor Speedway pace car arrives on U.S. 13 at the Scarborough Road intersection.
• 12:45 p.m.: Convoy arrives at Dover Motor Speedway via Leipsic Road.
• 1:30 p.m.: Free ceremony begins at the Monster Monument at Victory Plaza, Dover Motor Speedway's famous 46-foot landmark honoring the Monster Mile's champions. Special programing with various presentations, live music, color guard, flyover and guest speakers, including Gold Star family members.
  • Mike Bagley, a SiriusXM NASCAR Radio host, Motor Racing Network and NBC Sports announcer, and Milford, Delaware-native, will emcee the ceremonies.

The tradition of placing handmade balsam wreaths on fallen heroes' graves began with the Worcester Wreath Company of Harrington, Maine, in 1992. Related wreath-laying ceremonies are now held each December at 4,600-plus participating U.S. locations and overseas.

"We are honored to host Wreaths Across America's wonderful holiday tradition as it makes its way to Arlington National Cemetery," said Mike Tatoian, Dover Motor Speedway's president and general manager. "There is no adequate way we can honor the sacrifice our veterans have made toward the growth and strength of our nation, but this event serves as a small token of our gratitude. We're inviting the whole community to enjoy the ceremony with us on Thursday, Dec. 12."

Additional information and more details on ceremony participants will be shared closer to the event date.

SPONSOR A WREATH, HELP DELAWARE CHILDREN: In addition, supporters can sponsor a wreath at //www.wreathsacrossamerica.org/dovermotorspeedway to be placed at area cemeteries. For every wreath sponsored through this portal, $5 is donated to Speedway Children's Charities, Dover Motor Speedway chapter, which raises money for Delaware children in need.