International Paper Honors America's Fallen Veterans in Partnership with Wreaths Across America

On National Wreaths Across America Day, Saturday, December 16, 2023, International Paper (IP) was proud to support Wreaths Across America (WAA) in remembrance to honor our veterans. IP donated $50,000 to sponsor nearly 3,000 wreaths, 16,000 wreath boxes, aid in transportation to Arlington National Cemetery (ANC) and volunteers to lay wreaths at headstones of our nation’s fallen heroes at national cemeteries across the nation. WAA has been a loyal customer of IP’s Auburn Box Plant for more than 13 years, and each year, IP produces nearly 350,000 boxes for the program. Now, as we look back on Wreaths Out Day, January 20, 2024, the annual removal of wreaths at ANC marks another milestone of all efforts made by those who have served.

“The year-round mission to Remember, Honor and Teach grows each year all across the country, thanks to the many hearts and hands that help share it and support it,” said Karen Worcester, executive director, Wreaths Across America. “International Paper has long played an important part in this program, and has grown their support as we have grown, for which we are very grateful.”

"The year-round mission to Remember, Honor and Teach grows each year all across the country, thanks to the many hearts and hands that help share it and support it. International Paper has long played an important part in this program, and has grown their support as we have grown, for which we are very grateful."

— Karen Worcester, Executive Director, Wreaths Across America

As part of IP’s dedication to sustainability, our team works with a national waste-to-energy company to ensure the wreaths do not end up in landfills and coordinates the recovery and recycling of the wreath boxes at ANC and three national cemeteries in Long Island, New York. This is a smart environmental decision and helps reduce one of the nonprofit’s largest expenses. Dave Kumar, an IP retiree, leads these recycling efforts and he estimates that IP and a team of more than 250 volunteers recycled 54 tons of boxes from these locations alone.

IP’s wreath sponsorship was allocated across three locations: in Memphis, Tenn., more than 650 wreaths were sponsored at West Tennessee National Cemetery, 1000 were sponsored at Memphis National Cemetery, and at ANC, 1,275 wreaths were placed on the graves of veterans at rest. In 2023, 30,000 visitors placed nearly 260,000 wreaths at ANC. Overall, WAA saw volunteers across more than 4,225 participating locations, home and abroad. IP is proud to support WAA’s mission to remember the fallen, honor those who serve and their families, and teach the next generation about the value of our freedom in communities across the United States.

“International Paper is proud to be a partner and supporter of Wreaths Across America,” said Dr. Alissa Campbell Shaw, senior manager, Global Community Engagement. “This day is an important tradition to commemorate our fallen heroes, and we are honored to be a part of this special day."

Wreaths Across America has become such a valued tradition that it is recognized by the U.S. Congress. U.S. Senators Susan Collins and Angus King introduced an unanimously passed bipartisan resolution to designate Saturday, December 16, 2023, as Wreaths Across America Day. International Paper is honored to contribute to WAA’s mission year after year to recognize the sacrifices made for our freedom by those who have served. To learn more about IP and WAA continued partnership, click here.