Wreaths Across America Convoy Passing Through Enfield Wednesday

ENFIELD, CT — After a brief hiatus, the tradition of a truck convoy carrying thousands of wreaths to Arlington National Cemetery passing through Enfield will return Wednesday, albeit in a slightly different format than in the past.

Walmart trucks loaded with wreaths for National Wreaths Across America Day on Saturday will be passing by every public school in Enfield Wednesday morning, with estimated times ranging from 10:05 to 10:50 a.m. The convoy will end at the town green, where Walmart will present a wreath adorned with all service flags to the Enfield Veterans Council before resuming the journey southbound.

In the past, a ceremony was held at Parkman Elementary School; however, the format has been changed to afford the entire community a chance to greet the trucks and thank them for honoring Enfield for the sixth time, at the only scheduled stop in Connecticut.

Lori Gates, founder of Enfield Hooah, helped coordinate the effort to bring the caravan back to Enfield.

"This was no easy feat in a pandemic, but thanks to the grace of Walmart Trucking, Superintendent of Schools Chris Drezek and Police Chief Alaric Fox, we’ve found a way to give everyone a chance to safely see these dedicated drivers as they head to the hallowed ground of Arlington National Cemetery with wreaths for our heroes in time for National Wreaths Across America Day," she said.

"Wreaths Across America is a tremendous opportunity to be reminded of the sacrifices of those who have paid the ultimate price, so that we can live as we do," Fox said. "We are honored and fortunate to have this procession travel, once again, through the town of Enfield."

Drezek added, "Wreaths is a great opportunity for our kids to experience the importance of remembering those who paid the ultimate sacrifice."

A small escort will accompany the convoy, and first responders will be stationed at each school. The estimated time of arrivals, and the first responders scheduled to be present, will be:

• 10:05 - CREC Civic Leadership High School
• 10:15 - Prudence Crandall (North Thompsonville Fire)
• 10:20 - Henry Barnard (Suffield Fire)
• 10:25 - Hazardville Memorial (Hazardville Fire)
• 10:29 - Eli Whitney (Shaker Pines Fire)
• 10:34 - JFK Middle School (Enfield Fire No. 1)
• 10:37 - Edgar H. Parkman (Enfield Fire No. 2)
• 10:40 - Stowe Early Learning Center (Enfield EMS)
• 10:43 - Enfield Montessori
• 10:44 - Enfield Street School (Enfield Fire No. 1)
• 10:45 - Enfield High School (Enfield EMS)
• 10:47 - Alcorn building (Thompsonville Fire)
• 10:50 - town green

A complete list of routes traveled is below.

Enfield's local Wreaths Across America ceremony is slated for Saturday in St. Patrick's King Street Cemetery at noon. All are welcome.