It is a very important act of honor and respect.  I have seen it shown countless times in the news.  Usually, it is the United States President placing a wreath on the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.  I was amazed to learn that a young man from Tennessee was chosen to participate in this special ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery near Washington, D.C.

At the mention of his name, “Peyton” drums up images of the former quarterback at The University of Tennessee (UT)—Peyton Manning.  Peyton Boling was named after Manning and has even been photographed with him.  Those were huge steps the beloved quarterback first took onto Neyland Stadium, and so were those that Peyton took near our nation’s capital.  It is a carefully orchestrated event conducted with clockwork precision.  Military personnel stand guard over each movement.  The young Peyton, who was about the age of Manning when he arrived at UT, marched on cue to the designated spot and placed the huge wreath on the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.

Certainly, the event was a very special time for Peyton to cherish.  For Peyton’s family, those steps represented so much more.  Peyton is no ordinary teenager.  He has overcome more in his young life than many people will ever experience.  It is my joy to share in future columns about this remarkable teenager and the adversity he overcame as a little boy to reach this milestone.

What a moment for this young history buff to remember!  What a moment for his family to treasure!  Peyton’s grandfather, Clay Grubb, is a veteran who served in the United States Army.  Grubb was stationed in Berlin, Germany, from 1958-62.  On this Veterans’ Day, may we remember all of the “Clay Grubbs” who have served our “one nation under God” so that we can enjoy life and liberty in these great United States of America.