The Wreaths Across America convoy made a stop at the Vietnam Memorial in Holmdel this afternoon en route to Arlington National Cemetery where thousands of volunteers will help lay more than 225,000 wreaths — one for every fallen hero’s headstone — at Arlington National Cemetery on National Wreaths Across America Day, scheduled for Saturday, Dec. 15, 2012.

 Wreaths Across America (WAA), a nonprofit organization founded to continue and expand the annual wreath-laying ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery chose two historic locations in New Jersey for the Wreaths Across America convoy’s visit. The Vietnam Memorial was today’s stop and the convoy will visit the USS New Jersey docked in Camden, N.J. on Thursday morning.

Peter Cancro, founder and CEO of Jersey Mike’s, the nationwide sub sandwich franchise and a group of Jersey Mike’s employees and volunteers met the convoy at the Vietnam Memorial and participated in a special wreath-laying ceremony. Jersey Mike’s has donated $218,282 to support Wreaths Across America.

Joining Cancro and the Jersey Mike’s volunteer contingent was Karen Worcester, the Executive Director of WAA, and Morrill Worcester, the founder, officials form all military branches, Gold Star family members and representatives of local veterans groups.

"As I travel throughout the country, I see welcoming parties gathering at airports to greet returning soldiers, and travelers going out of their way to thank those in uniform for their service to our country," said Peter Cancro, Jersey Mike's founder and CEO."

“Jersey Mike's is so proud to join and support Wreaths Across America in its mission to Remember the fallen, Honor those who serve and their families, and Teach our children the value of freedom."

The journey to Arlington National Cemetery began Saturday, Dec. 8, in Harrington, Maine with the convoy traveling down the east coast, stopping along the way to visit schools, veteran’s homes, monuments and communities. The convoy will arrive in Arlington on Saturday for the National Remembrance Ceremony, ensuring that the individuals who served to protect the freedoms of our country are not, and never will be, forgotten.

With the help of thousands of volunteers, Wreaths Across America (WAA) is working to fulfill its mission of remembering, honoring, and teaching through the annual laying of wreaths at Arlington National Cemetery. The wreaths’ journey to Arlington has become a tradition in itself, allowing locals along the route to share in the emotional and educational experience as the WAA convoy passes through their hometown.

From June 30 through July 29, Jersey Mike’s celebrated its third annual “Christmas in July” with a nationwide fundraising and awareness campaign to benefit WAA.

Every Jersey Mike’s location participated in the campaign, collecting donations from friends, family, customers and community members. Customers helped raise approximately $100,000, which Jersey Mike’s matched. In addition, the company donated $1 for every “like” its fundraising efforts inspired on Facebook to raise an additional $18,282. Last year, with the help of its customers, Jersey Mike’s raised $100,000 which helped WAA place 90,000 wreaths at Arlington on National Wreaths Across America Day.