A first visit, an honor of a lifetime

A first visit, an honor of a lifetime

American Legion National Vice Commander Glen Wahus’ first visit to Arlington National Cemetery was a memorable one as he laid a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.

“What an honor it was to represent The American Legion and pay tribute to our veterans who made the ultimate sacrifice,” said Wahus, a member of American Legion Carl E. Rogen Post 29 in Watford City, N.D. “I was humbled, very humbled.”

Speakers at the Memorial Day event included President Biden, Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin III and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Army Gen. Mark A. Milley.

“All gave good messages honoring our veterans who made the ultimate sacrifice,” Wahus, who served in the Navy from 1983 to 1987.  

"Together, we're not just the fortunate inheritors of their legacy," Biden said during the 155th Memorial Day wreath-laying ceremony. "We must be the keeper of their mission, the bearers of the flame of freedom that has kept burning bright for nearly 247 years. "That's the truest memorial to their lives: our actions every day to ensure that our democracy endures, our Constitution endures and the soul of our nation, our decency endures.” 

On Memorial Day, Biden said, Americans are compelled to uphold the legacies of the fallen servicemembers. “Today, it's on all of us — all of us — to ensure that sacrifice was not in vain,” he said.