American Legon Family delegation lays a wreath at Arlington National Cemetery in a Memorial Day tribute to all who made the ultimate sacrifice.
Over Memorial Day weekend, American Legion National Vice Commander Steve Weismann represented the organization at the two U.S. cities with the largest display of memorials dedicated to veterans.
Weisman, an Air Force veteran, placed a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington National Cemetery, along with Sons of The American Legion Vice Commander Bryan Hine and American Auxiliary President Pam Ray.
“People have no idea until they get on the grounds at Arlington, just the enormity of it, 630 acres of the sacrifice of what paid for our freedoms,” said Weismann, a member of Sgt. Donnie E. Horton American Legion Post 254 in Collinwood, Tenn. “It’s very humbling. It’s an honor to have the privilege to be here today.”
His weekend was bookended with the annual Memorial Day weekend observance at the Indiana War Memorial in downtown Indianapolis. During his speech, he told the crowd to remember the fallen and “freedom is their legacy.”
During his travels, Weismann bonded with a fellow veteran and Gold Star Father, met a Boys State alum at Arlington and shared the Legion’s mission with those he met. Making public appearances, working youth programs and assisting veterans all fulfill his passion for service.
“Some people, they don’t understand why we continue to serve after the uniform,” he reflected. “These are the perfect examples of why.”
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For Ray, a member of Unit 71 in Urbana, Ill., the day symbolized the Auxiliary’s commitment to serving veterans. Her Auxiliary membership is through her late father, Clay Lofton, who served during the Korean War and World War II.
“I've really tried to focus a little bit on Gold Star Families this year,” she said, noting that the Department of Illinois still has a Gold Star recognition dinner every year. “We have to remember those families serve every single day and continue to relive losing their loved one.”
President Trump honored Gold Star Families during his remarks at Arlington National Cemetery, thanking the loved ones of fallen U.S. servicemembers for their continued sacrifice.
“God bless our fallen heroes,” he said. “We’re joined today by some of those they left behind — our incredible Gold Star Families. To every person here and across America who holds tight to the memory of a warrior taken from them, we will never, ever forget the ones you loved."
The president recognized and thanked the family of Air Force Capt. Ariana G. Savino during the ceremony, which left an impression on Ray.
“I can’t even imagine,” she said. “It was such an honor to see that family stand with pride when he introduced them. It was an emotional day.”
- Memorial Day