National Commander Dan Wiley leads American Legon Family delegation at Arlington National Cemetery, lays a wreath and pays tribute to all past and present servicemembers on Veterans Day.
National Commander Dan K. Wiley led an American Legion Family wreath-laying ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery on Veterans Day, saying it was a time to honor the service of all who have served.
“It’s a time to reflect on all of those who've come before us in service to and who built this great country and sacrificed so much to allow us to be here today,” said Wiley, an Air Force veteran. “I'm often reminded, and I'm paraphrasing Abraham Lincoln when he said that a nation that does not honor his veterans will not long endure. That's really what we're doing today is enduring. The reason that this country continues to endure is because we hold those who served in high regard.”
Wiley placed a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, along with Sons of The American Legion National Commander Bill Clancy and American Legion Auxiliary President Pam Ray.
“I was thinking about all those who served who sacrificed so much,” Wiley said. “It was fitting that you do that at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier because we have so many people who have served this country whose names are unknown to most of us. It's just an opportunity, I think, to reflect on the service of others.”
Clancy, a member of Squadron 156 in City Island, N.Y., comes from a family with a proud military history.
His father, William G. Clancy, served stateside during Vietnam in the Army. His grandfather, William Patrick Clancy, was a Navy veteran, who helped build a ship during World War II in Nevins Shipyard in the Bronx.
“It was a fantastic feeling to be in Arlington National Cemetery for Veterans Day,” said Clancy, who also is a graduate of New York Boys State. “Just being in such hallowed ground for the ceremony was fantastic.”
Clancy beamed with pride upon reflecting on representing the 402,000 SAL members.
“I'm not a veteran myself, but I represent 402,000-plus men who serve veterans, serve children and serve their country,” he said. “It was very moving in that regard. It's really a perfect time to reflect upon who we are and what we do and all the great things that the Sons of The American Legion do. I'm honored and I'm proud to be in a position this year honoring my own family, but also serving all families and veterans across our country.”
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For Ray, a member of Unit 71 in Urbana, Ill., the day symbolized the Auxiliary’s commitment to serving veterans.
“It's who we are. It's what we do,” she explained. “To be there as a representative for the 550,000-plus members that we have, it put a new perspective on it. For me, I've been there many times with Girls Nation. But when I realize I'm the official representative for all our members, you want to be sure you take in every bit of everything that you see and bring that back to them, which I plan to do.”
Ray’s membership is through her late father, Clay Lofton, who served during the Korean War and World War II.
“This is always a hard day once you've lost your eligibility,” she said. “I believe for me, watching those flags and listening to God Bless America made me think of my dad. I always think of him, but today was extra special.”
Across the nation on Veterans Day, American Legion members and posts are celebrating and honoring veterans. That carries a deep meaning for Wiley, a member of Byron H. Mehl American Legion Post 23 in Leavenworth, Kan.
“First and foremost, thank you for what you do,” he said to the 1.5 million American Legion members. “Thank you for continuing to serve. We, as an American Legion, have your back. That's exactly what you're doing — showing people that we continue to have your back as a country. If you need help, we're here for you. We've always been here for you. We were here yesterday. We are here today and we'll be here tomorrow. As long as there is an America and as long as there are veterans, The American Legion will continue to take care of veterans and their families.”
- Veterans Day