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Photo shows two members of the military standing with a large wreath. The wreath is made up of red, white, and blue flowers, and has a red, white, and blue ribbon that says "WoodmenLife 50th National Convention." Behind the service members and the wreath is a crowd of people all wearing red WoodmenLife-branded T-shirts.

Honoring Veterans With a Wreath-Laying Ceremony at WoodmenLife National Convention

Sep 11, 20259/11/2025

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The rolling hills of Arlington National Cemetery mark the final resting place for more than 14,000 Veterans. The rows upon rows of gravestones are a pointed reminder of the sacrifices our service members make in defense of our country. Visiting these hallowed grounds is an opportunity to express respect, gratitude, and honor for our Veterans.

Recognizing their sacrifices is the inspiration for wreath-laying ceremonies at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. The ceremonies are tributes to military service and celebrations of life. They’re moving, and they’re memorable.

WoodmenLife was honored to participate in one during our 2025 National Convention, held in the Washington, D.C., area in July. It was an important way to show our commitment to our country and those who protect it.

Four people — three of whom are wearing red polo shirts — walk down steps alongside a service member. A crowd of people is watching the procession.

A Humbling Experience

WoodmenLife President & CEO Denise McCauley and three members1 took part in the ceremony.

“I was really honored to be asked,” said Navy Veteran and Virginia Jurisdictional President Garland “Lee” Moody. He was one of the WoodmenLife members selected to participate. “That’s something not a lot of people get to do. It was really humbling. It was emotional, very solemn, and really awesome at the same time.”

The other members were David Dupree, an Air Force Veteran and Immediate Jurisdictional Past President of North Carolina, and Juan Cordova, a Marine Corps Veteran and Immediate Jurisdictional Past President of Texas.

A group of four people stand with their backs to the camera. They are facing the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington National Cemetery. In front of them is a wreath propped up on a stand. Three service members are standing at attention.

A ‘Once-In-a-Lifetime Honor’

The wreath laying replaced the memorial service traditionally held at past National Conventions. It was about honoring our Veterans, representing our patriotism, and remembering those who passed on before us.

“Having WoodmenLife be part of the wreath-laying ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier is a once-in-a-lifetime honor,” said Robby Molony, Vice President, Fraternal. “Having our President & CEO, who represents all our members, actually laying the wreath is an outstanding way for WoodmenLife to show our commitment to our country and the heroes who gave their lives so we may enjoy the freedoms we have today.

“The wreath-laying tradition is a way for us to pay our respects and express gratitude for all our military heroes, past and present. I’m honored to be part of an organization that has such high respect for our military and for the sacrifices they and their families make for me and my family.”

Three men in red polo shirts, a woman, and a service member retreat after laying a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, which is seen behind them.

Moody couldn’t agree more.

“It makes you feel good to be part of an organization that cares about the military, cares about Veterans, and cares about patriotism,” he said. “It feels great to be around people who care about the same things you do. It’s an easy, natural feeling.”

To learn more about WoodmenLife’s commitment to our country and to honoring Veterans, visit WoodmenLife.org/Patriotism.

Photo shows the Tomb of the Unknown Solder at Arlington National Cemetery. In front of it is a wreath on a stand. The wreath is made up of red, white, and blue flowers, and it has a red, white, and blue ribbon bow that says "WoodmenLife 50th National Convention."

Written by: Gary Peterson, Senior Copywriter

1. An individual becomes a member by joining our shared commitment to family, community and country, and by purchasing a WoodmenLife product.

 

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