I experienced the highest honor of my life when I was asked by VetsFirst President/CEO Paul Tobin to lay the United Spinal Association/VetsFirst wreath at the Tomb of the Unknowns at Arlington National Cemetery last week on Memorial Day.
To visit Arlington Cemetery at any time is a moving and a humbling experience. More than 500,000 men and women who have given their lives in the cause of freedom are buried there. To see the simple yet multitudinous gravestones—aligned horizontally, vertically and diagonally—takes one’s breath away and vividly reminds each visitor of the tremendous sacrifices made by the members of our nation’s armed forces.
I was one of just two wheelchair users seated no more than 10 to 15 feet away from U. S. Vice-President Joseph Biden as he carried the wreath forward at the eleventh hour and placed it gently at the Tomb of the Unknowns. My thoughts were focused on a high school classmate and my cousin’s husband’s cousin, both of whom lost their lives in the Vietnam War.
Afterward, guests returned to the Ampitheater at the Tomb of the Unknowns for traditional ceremonial musical pieces, remarks and prayers. In his speech, Vice-President Biden stated, “Love is why we’re here today, to show our love for the men and women who died showing their love for this great country and to honor their families who share that love even more deeply.”
Then, the Vice-President focused on today’s men and women in the military. He made a point of saying that they love their country and their families just as much as those who served in previous wars, and that they deserve our daily thanks for their service to keep our nation safe.
When the official Ampitheater ceremony concluded, representatives from approximately 30 national veterans groups had the honor of placing their association’s wreath at the Tomb of the Unknowns. Carrying the United Spinal Association/VetsFirst wreath was Air Force Sergeant Wheeler, a member of the Honor Guard stationed at Bolling AFB in Washington, DC. A veterans organization Honor Guard escorted Sgt. Wheeler and myself to the Tomb, and accepted and placed our wreath there.
It was just one day in my life, but it was an honor that I will always cherish and never forget.