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- Monster Mile stop is part of the annual trek from Maine to Arlington National Cemetery in Virginia.
- Parade and ceremony to honor nation’s veterans free to the public.
- Sponsor a wreath to raise money for Delaware children in need.
DOVER, Del. (Dec. 6, 2024) – 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.
Wreaths Across America’s more than 60-vehicle convoy of tractor-trailers, Patriot Guard riders, veterans, Gold Star Families first responders 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 at Bally’s Dover Casino Resort – Free and open to all veterans and their families in the Rollins Center.
- 12:15 p.m.: More than 60-vehicle convoy, featuring 14-15 tractor-trailers, Patriot Guard riders and other law enforcement, Gold Star family members and first-responders 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 programming with various presentations, live music, color guard, a Dover Air Force Base C-5 Galaxy flyover, fireworks 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.
Scheduled performers and presenters include: 436th Airlift Wing Honor Guard, Bugles Across America, Caesar Rodney High School Silent Drill Team, Delaware Celtic Society Pipe Band, Dover Air Force Base Choir, Dover Air Force Base Middle School Chorus, Patty Elliott, American Gold Star Mother president, Col. Brian Ellis, 436th Mission Support Group commander, Dover Air Force Base, Wayne Hanson, Wreaths Across America, chairman of the board, Chris Kondracki, Southside Baptist Church (Camden, Del.) lead pastor, Senior Airman Nolan T. Kuhn, Dover Air Force Base Eagle Choir, State Sen. Dave Lawson, State Rep. Shannon Morris, Mike Tatoian, Dover Motor Speedway president and general manager and Karen Worcester, Wreaths Across America executive director.
Thursday’s events can be followed on Wreaths Across America Radio, available on the iHeart Radio app, the Audacy app, and the TuneIn app. The Wreaths Across America Mobile Education Exhibit will also be set up at Dover Motor Speedway.
The tradition of placing handmade balsam wreaths on fallen heroes’ graves began with the Worcester Wreath Company of Harrington, Maine, in 1992.
In 2023, Wreaths Across America and its national network of volunteers placed more than 3 million sponsored veterans wreaths on headstones of our nation’s service members at 4,224 participating locations. This was accomplished with the support of more than 5,000 sponsorship groups, corporation contributions, and in-kind donations from the transportation industry across the country.
“We are honored to host Wreaths Across America’s powerful 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.”
Dover Motor Speedway partners who are volunteering their time and talent to help produce this event include the following: Collective Event Group, City of Dover Fire Department, City of Dover Police Department, Delaware Department of Transportation, Delaware State Police, International Sound Corporation, Jersey Mike’s, Kent County Department of Public Safety, Paramedics & Ambulance support, M&M Parking, Mission BBQ, Pyrotecnico and Waste Masters Solutions.
SPONSOR A WREATH, HELP DELAWARE CHILDREN:
In addition, supporters can sponsor a wreath at //www.wreathsacrossamerica.
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.
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