Portman Meets with Mt. Orab's Tessa Pinkerton, Arlington National Cemetery Essay Winner

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Rob Portman (R-Ohio) had a chance to meet with Tessa Pinkerton, one of only two children chosen nationally to lay a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknowns yesterday morning as part of the Professional Landcare Networks’ “Renewal and Remembrance” annual beautification project in Washington, DC. Tessa, an eleven-year old native of Mt. Orab, Ohio, was selected based on an essay she wrote on the national importance of Arlington National Cemetery.

“I’m glad to see Tessa take an interest in our nation’s rich history and participate in the ceremony for the Tomb of the Unknowns,” said Portman. “To be one of only two individuals selected is a distinct honor, and she has made both her hometown and the state of Ohio proud.”    

From Tessa’s winning essay: “I feel Arlington Cemetery is important to our country because the people who are in the military spend time away from their families just to help our country. My great grandfather fought in World War I and another great grandfather served in World War II. My grandfather also served in Vietnam, so many of their friends are probably buried there.” The rest of Tessa’s essay can be found here.

Portman has made it a priority in the Senate to make his office open and accessible for constituents wishing to visit and voice their concerns, hosting weekly coffees with constituents while the Senate is in session. For more information, Ohioans should contact Senator Portman’s office at 202-224-3353.