Chris T. attended NYLF National Security last winter and tells us that being chosen to participate in the wreath laying ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier was the highlight of his experience. His selection was based on a written essay, excerpted below. As a young leader, Chris says he is inspired by our country’s great military leaders who have led us and done an outstanding job.
Excerpt from Chris’s winning essay
“It would mean a great deal to me if I were given the honor of laying a wreath on the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. Recently, I spoke with my friend Mr. Weinberg, who served as Sentinel at the Tomb for two years. After the first few minutes of our conversation, I realized how enormous of an honor it would be to be given the chance to lay a wreath on the Tomb. By talking with Mr. Weinberg, I became fully aware of everything for which the Tomb stands. We talked about how much both being a Sentinel and the Tomb mean to him and also the pure meaning of the Tomb which represents all of our fallen heroes. It represents all men and women who have served and the ones that never returned and gave everything for their country.
Knowing that this is what the Tomb represents furthers my desire to be able to lay a wreath for all of those that have put their lives on the line or given everything, as many of my great, great Uncle Phillips’ brothers in his POW camp who never had the chance to return home after World War II. For this reason, I would cherish the opportunity to lay a wreath for all of those men and women who served and made the ultimate sacrifice.
I can see the importance of the monuments such as the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier through people like Korean War Veteran Jameson who asked me to be his Guardian for this 2014 Honor Flight. Mr. Jameson cannot wait to visit the war memorials and the Tomb. Working as a volunteer for Flag City Honor Flight last year (2013), I have already seen the tremendous impact that seeing the moments has on veterans and talking to them reveals the reasons why these monuments are so special to them. It is for the same reasons that the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier is sacred. They have a great understanding of the wreath laying ceremony. Speaking with these veterans has aided my understanding of the Tomb and makes me want to be a part of the ceremony. Realizing the enormity of the situation is breathtaking and truly incredible.”
background-image: a building with the American flag in front of it