Monthly Archives: December 2024

News & Events for the Bay Area Canadian Community

A newsletter from one of our fellow Canadian organizations in the Bay Area.


Can’t see this message? View in a browser
This email was sent from this site.

Thank You For Moving The Mission Michael Barbour!

An update from the Wreaths Across America organization.


WAA.MovingTheMission.Header.1521x542.2020

Hello Michael Barbour,

 

Thank you to all the professional drivers, owner-operators, carriers, and logistics partners, who stepped up this year to make National Wreaths Across America Day 2024 a HUGE success! Your support is why we were able to move the mission to a record 4,900+ participating locations this year.

 

Here are the load stats for how we made that happen:

  • 350+ carriers
  • 800+ loads of veterans’ wreaths
  • 3.1 million wreaths delivered

The WAA Transportation Team and all our volunteers across the country know how lucky we are to have the best of the best representing our industry through this important mission.

 

We wish you all a happy and restful holiday season and look forward to working with you again next year – National Wreaths Across America Day 2025 is Saturday, Dec. 13, 2025.

 

Remember – Honor – Teach

With gratitude,
WAA Transportation Team

 

Trucking Tuesdays

Listen to Trucking Tributes every Trucking Tuesday on Wreaths Across America Radio. If you have a story you’d like to share, click on the button below to schedule an interview.

 

Share Your Photos from Wreaths Across America Day

20231216_094651

We would love to see your pictures from the road! Please submit content for sharing on our Memory Fox Campaign page by clicking on the button below.

 

Stay in the Know

The Moving the Mission Facebook Group is a space for supporters of Wreaths Across America working in the transportation industry to connect with and learn from one another. Members will share their stories of support, learn more about Wreaths Across America, including volunteer opportunities, and network with other industry professionals.

Wreaths Across America, PO Box 249, Columbia Falls, ME 04623, United States, 877-385-9504

Uncertain optimism for Syria as the Assad regime ends

An item from the Legion Magazine.


Front Lines
Front Lines

Syrians celebrated their liberation from Assad’s repressive and corrupt government. But the country’s future remains uncertain. [Atlantic Council]

Uncertain optimism for Syria as the Assad regime ends

STORY BY STEPHEN J. THORNE

Rebel fighters ended the Assad family’s brutal 54-year dictatorship in Syria on Dec. 8, 2024, concluding a civil war by taking the capital Damascus and sending President Bashar al-Assad fleeing into exile in Moscow.

Syrians were jubilant. An exploitive and ruthless regime had been deposed. Censorship, surveillance and repression were apparently stopped. Exiles returned. Political prisoners were freed. The prospect that Syria, the third most-sanctioned country, could reclaim its place in the world suddenly seemed attainable.

READ MORE

Subscribe to Legion Magazine
Military Milestones
Military Milestones

‘A’ Company Sergeant-Major John Osborn earned the only Victoria Cross for actions during the Battle of Hong Kong. [Wikimedia]

Remembering John Osborn, V.C.

STORY BY ALEX BOWERS

 

By Dec. 19, 1941, the Battle of Hong Kong had been raging for well over 10 days. The Canadians of ‘C’ Force, together with troops from the British Army, British Indian Army and the Hong Kong Volunteer Defence Corps, were still attempting to withstand a seemingly incessant tide of Japanese assaults. They would lose.

That same day, The Winnipeg Grenadiers suffered a blow when fighting near the centrally located Wong Nei Chong Gap took out the Canadian commander, Brigadier John K. Lawson. He would be the most senior ranking Canadian killed during the battle. Still, the Grenadiers pushed on.

READ MORE

Member Benefit Partner

Medipac Travel Insurance

A message from Prince Jordan concerning CAPNSF – San Francisco National Cemetery at the Presidio of San Francisco

A message from the event this past weekend.


Wreaths Across America

Thank You
Dear Michael Barbour:

Thank you for Sponsoring Wreaths and/or Volunteering for National Wreaths Across America Day! CAPNSF – San Francisco National Cemetery at the Presidio of San Francisco, and I am writing with more information about our ceremony scheduled for December 13, 2025.

***THIS IS AN AUTOMATED MESSAGE***

Heartfelt Thanks and Exciting Transition at Wreaths Across America San Francisco

Dear Participants and Sponsors,
I hope this message finds you well and filled with the joy of the holiday season. I am writing to express my deepest gratitude to each and every one of you who braved the extreme elements of the weather to join us for this year’s Wreaths Across America event at the San Francisco National Cemetery last Saturday. Your participation and support are the lifeblood of this meaningful event, ensuring that we continue to honor our fallen servicemen and women with the reverence they deserve.
A special thank you extends to our dedicated sponsors and participants whose commitment remained unwavering in spite of the challenging weather. Your presence under such extraordinary conditions was both inspiring and deeply appreciated.
As I share this message, it comes with mixed emotions as I announce my departure from my role as Event Director and Location Coordinator for Wreaths Across America San Francisco. After much reflection, I have decided to direct my efforts towards broader initiatives supporting veterans and military families. Serving in this role has been an incredible journey, and I am immensely proud of what we have accomplished together. When I assumed this position, my vision was to enhance our community’s support for veterans and their families while preserving the cherished tradition of remembrance. I am thrilled to report that our efforts have led to a significant increase in participation, with over 430+ community members attending this year—double the number from three years ago!
Looking ahead, I am delighted to introduce Hanley Chan, who will step into the role of Event Director & Location Coordinator from 2025 onward. For any inquiries about future events and next year’s ceremony, please feel free to reach out to Hanley at Hanleychan@icloud.com. His collaboration with the American Legion Salesian Post 599 promises to continue our tradition of honoring our heroes. Please join Hanley along with the other volunteers on January 4th 2025 at San Francisco National Cemetery at 11:00 AM for the Wreath Clean Up Day.
Though I am stepping down, my dedication to supporting veterans and military families endures. For any other matters outside of Wreaths Across America, I welcome you to contact me at Pkmbenz@gmail.com.
Thank you once again for your unwavering support and for making this year’s event a resounding success. I wish you all a safe and joyous holiday season, and may 2025 bring you prosperity, success, and happiness.