Ashland Veteran Lays Wreath at Tomb of the Unknown Soldier — A Moment of Honor for a Lifetime of Service
WASHINGTON, D.C. — In a moment steeped in reverence and patriotism, Ashland VFW Commodore David Harry stood before the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier this past Sunday, representing his community and his country with quiet strength. The occasion marked his participation in the Ashland County Honor Bus trip — a journey designed to pay tribute to veterans who have dedicated their lives to the defense of freedom.
As the solemn notes of silence filled the air at Arlington National Cemetery, Harry stepped forward to lay the wreath — a symbol of eternal gratitude to all who gave their lives without recognition, and to the countless families whose loved ones never returned home.
His daughter, Amie Shaw, spoke from the heart about what the moment meant to her and their family:
“Words cannot express how proud of my dad I am to be given this honor! To be able to lay this wreath in such a sacred ceremony is such an honor. My dad gives his all for this country — he spent over 20 years in our Army. He’s sacrificed so much for our local and state VFW chapters. He’s part of the Honor Guard and gives our veterans an appropriate goodbye when they leave this world. He leads our flag onto football fields, heads parades, and on those special holidays, he plays taps at the cemetery when no one is watching.”
David Harry’s quiet acts of service — the ones few ever see — are what define true patriotism. Whether standing beneath stadium lights or alone beneath a gray sky at a cemetery, he represents the heart of America’s veterans: steadfast, humble, and deeply devoted.
Shaw’s words carried a challenge as much as a tribute:
“This is why we need to do better as a country today. This is why we need to honor our veterans and the men and women who are currently serving. We have to do better! I can’t think of anyone who deserved this honor more than him. If half of us loved this country as much as he does… maybe, just maybe, things would be so much better here.”
For those who know David Harry, this honor was no surprise — it was destiny meeting devotion. And for the Ashland community, it was a moment of shared pride, knowing one of their own stood at the most sacred ground of American sacrifice, honoring all who never made it home.
