Wisconsin Veteran To Lay Wreath at Tomb of Unknown in Arlington Is Also Son of Iwo Jima Veteran

May 16, 2011 - PRLog -- Contact:  Don Simpson
Phone:  715-937-0335

American Legion Riders’ Wisconsin Member to Lay Wreath at Tomb of Unknown Soldier in Arlington.

Wreath laying ceremony to take place at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Arlington National Cemetery on Saturday, May 28th, 2011.

EAU CLAIRE (May 16, 2011) – Dennis Beattie of Merrillan, Wisconsin, will be one of four individuals from the American Legion Riders national organization with the honor of placing a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier on Saturday, May 28, 2011, at 1:15pm (EST).

“This is a rare and prestigious moment for all members of our organization,” commented Don Simpson of Neilsville, Wisconsin.  A veteran of the Vietnam War, Simpson is president of the American Legion Riders Wisconsin District 7 in western Wisconsin.  “A number of our riders were already planning a trip to the Vietnam Wall in Washington, D.C., this year.  The opportunity came up for Dennis to participate in the public Wreath Ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier just over a month ago and he embraced the opportunity,” said Simpson.

Dennis Beattie served in the United States Marine Corps – Reserves from 1963 to 1969.  He later enlisted in the United States Army - Reserves where he served for an additional seven years, reaching the rank of First Sergeant.  Beattie now lives in Merrillan, Wisconsin, with his wife of 33 years, his children and grandchildren.  Dennis Beattie is a Life Member of the Marine Corps League, Vice Commandant Department of Wisconsin District 1, Past Commander of the American Legion Post 748 in Antioch, Illinois, and currently serves as Chaplin of the Andrew Blackhawk Post 129 in Black River Falls, Wisconsin.

“My father served with the 5th Marine Division and was on the beach when the flag was raised on Mt Suribachi, Iwo Jima.  It was his teaching that instilled the pride and honor for our country and those that defend it in me and my family,” said Beattie, also a member of the Wisconsin American Legion Riders.  “We were presented with the opportunity to put our names in a drawing to participate in the wreath ceremony.  I’m humbled and extremely proud to be able to participate in such a powerful ceremony, particularly during Memorial Day weekend,” Beattie stated.  “This is a once-in-a-lifetime experience for me, and I’m proud to be representing the Wisconsin American Legion Riders during this ceremony.”

About American Legion Riders Association of Wisconsin
The American Legion Riders Association of Wisconsin was formed and chartered in August 2000. In it's infancy, the group consisted of a half dozen members. Today, the ALRA of Wisconsin consists of many members covering all twelve districts across the state. If you are a veteran that may or may not be a member of the American Legion and loves the "freedom of the road" on two wheels (and sometimes even three), then check out our site and contact us. We'd love to have you!  Learn more about American Legion Riders of Wisconsin go to http://alrawis.org/