Suprun lays wreath at Arlington National Cemetery‘s Tomb of the Unknown Soldier on behalf of September 11 Foundation. The choice was made to honor the thousands of servicemen and women lost during military conflicts after the terrorist attacks on the United States.
The September 11 Foundation board member Christopher Suprun attended the ceremony in Arlington, Virginia, with his nine-year-old son, Wyatt, less than a mile from where he responded twenty-two years ago.
“It is critically important that the entire responder community is remembered,” said Suprun. “It was police, fire, and EMS on 9-11, but the military for years after.”
Suprun Lays Wreath Honoring Veterans At Tomb of the Unknown Soldier
The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier is a powerful and solemn memorial in Arlington National Cemetery just outside Washington, D.C. It serves as a poignant tribute to the countless unknown soldiers who have made the ultimate sacrifice in service of their nation. This iconic monument, often referred to as the “Tomb of the Unknown,” represents not just the United States but the collective honor and gratitude for all unidentified soldiers worldwide.
The tomb itself is a white marble sarcophagus situated atop a hill overlooking the nation’s capital. It was initially established in 1921 to honor the unidentified American soldiers who lost their lives in World War I. The monument’s design exudes a sense of purity and simplicity, emphasizing the occasion’s solemnity.
What sets the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier apart is the continuous and meticulous vigil maintained by the 3rd U.S. Infantry Regiment, known as the “Old Guard.” These sentinels, known for their precision and discipline, stand guard at the tomb 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, regardless of weather conditions. The Changing of the Guard ceremony is a moving ritual that occurs every 30 minutes during the summer and every hour during the rest of the year, involving precise movements and a symbolic act of reverence.
The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier serves as a powerful symbol of remembrance, reminding visitors of the sacrifices made by countless soldiers throughout history and the collective gratitude of a nation for their service and sacrifice.
The September 11 Foundation
The September 11 Foundation is a charitable organization established in the wake of the tragic events of September 11, 2001, to honor and support the victims, survivors, and their families. This non-profit foundation plays a vital role in ensuring that the memory of the 9/11 attacks endures while providing financial assistance, emotional support, and resources to those directly affected by the terrorist acts.
The foundation’s primary mission is to offer aid to the families of the victims, including educational scholarships for the children of those who lost their lives, as well as providing various forms of assistance to survivors and first responders who continue to grapple with the physical and emotional scars of that fateful day.
Additionally, the September 11 Foundation is dedicated to preserving the history and stories of 9/11, serving as a living testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the importance of unity in the face of adversity. It continues to play a significant role in helping individuals and communities heal, rebuild, and remember the events of September 11, 2001.
Board Member Christopher Suprun
Christopher Suprun is a prominent figure in American public safety. Suprun’s career has built a career marked by service to his community and his country. In September 2022 he was named EMS Chief for Marshall County, Oklahoma.
Suprun served as a paid and volunteer firefighter and paramedic. He has a firsthand perspective on emergency response and the importance of preparedness. He used this experience to become an instructor in emergency health sciences programs, where he has been published more than three dozen times in textbooks and peer-reviewed articles.
On September 11, he was a responder with the Dale City Volunteer Fire Department. Years later, he would manage multiple patients during Hurricane Katrina and at the Berrendo Middle School shooting in Roswell, New Mexico, as a new flight paramedic with Native Air Ambulance.
Beyond his political role, Suprun has been involved in various civic and community initiatives, advocating for responsible governance and emergency preparedness. Suprun’s life and career exemplify a commitment to service, reflecting his dedication to the well-being of his fellow citizens and his nation.
Suprun lays wreath at Arlington National Cemetery this year as a reminder for all that Americans have been protecting freedom since 1776.
“We must honor all those who defend us – whether fire trucks or tanks, Suprun said.
