Legion leadership attend ceremonies, perform wreath-laying and supports families of the fallen.
American Legion National Vice Commander Charles “Chuck” Robbins usually visits Arlington National Cemetery during the organization’s Washington Conference.
On Memorial Day, Robbins attended the annual ceremonies and came away with a different experience.
“It felt a little different today,” he said. “It was truly an honor but different from back when I laid a wreath in a much smaller ceremony as department commander. It’s a hallowed place, just incredible.”
Robbins, a member of American Legion Post 351 in Seaside Heights, N.J., served in the U.S. Army from 1975 to 1978 with both the 3rd Infantry Division and 18th Airborne Corps. His thoughts on Memorial Day were with his brother, Bill Robbins, who passed away about five years ago, and others.
“It was an incredible honor when National Commander James LaCoursiere asked me to represent him,” he said. “I am very humbled. I’m just a normal patriotic American. There were so many Gold Star families, so many stories of heroism. Such an honor to be there.”
Robbins led an American Legion delegation that included Auxiliary National President Trish Ward and Sons of The American Legion National Vice Commander Robert Manzo, a dual member of Post 183 in Parkville, Md.
Ward, a member of John P. Hand Unit 250 in Louisburg, Kan., has deep family roots in military service. She is eligible for Auxiliary membership through her father, John M. Brusati, and her grandfather, Edmund S. Lindberg. Her father served in the Army in World War II, and her grandfather served in the Navy during World War II.
“It was wonderful to be at Arlington National Cemetery for both Veterans Day and Memorial Day today,” she said. “What was so nice about today was the recognition of our Gold Star families and those servicemembers who were tragically lost during their service. It was very powerful.”
During her visit to the nation’s capital, Ward actively supported families of servicemembers who have passed.
“It’s so important to recognize our veterans, active-duty military, and their families,” she said, noting she had been at a TAPS (Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors) event in D.C. a few days ago. “It was so inspiring to see Auxiliary members helping at that event. Our missions are very aligned.”
It’s a mission that Ward sees as every day, not just the last Monday in May.
“Part of our mission in support families is to make sure that all of our veterans are remembered and recognized,” she said. “Not only on Memorial Day but every day. We do that across our country in small ways and large ways. We support their families in times of loss.”
- Honor & Remembrance