American Legion National Commander Dan Wiley was one of only 12 invited guests of King Charles III to attend his address before a joint meeting of the U.S. Congress on April 28.
“It was a great honor to be at this event, representing The American Legion, with one of our longtime allies,” Wiley said in a release. “The American Legion’s presence at the U.S. Capitol for this moment in our history is a testament to our advocacy efforts on Capitol Hill and steadfast commitment to veterans, servicemembers and their families both home and deployed.”
The British monarch’s visit to the United States and his address before leaders of both the House and Senate was to commemorate America’s 250th birthday.
“I would like to express my particular gratitude to you all for the great honor of addressing this joint meeting of Congress and on behalf of the queen and myself, to thank the American people for welcoming us to the United States to mark this semiquincentennial year of the Declaration of Independence,” Charles said to a standing ovation.
“Standing here today, it is hard not to feel the weight of history on my shoulder because the modern relationship between our two nations and our own peoples is not merely 250 years but over four centuries. I come here today for the highest respect for the United States Congress. This citadel of democracy created to represent the voice of all American people to advance sacred rights and freedoms.”
Sept. 11, 2026, will mark the 25th anniversary of the nearly 3,000 lives lost from the terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center, Pentagon and Flight 93, and the ultimate sacrifice made by servicemembers in the wars that followed.
“We stood with you then, and we stand with you now, in solemn remembrance of a day that shall never be forgotten,” Charles said. In the immediate aftermath of 9/11, “we answered the call together as our people have done so for more than a century, shoulder-to-shoulder, through two world wars, the Cold War, Afghanistan, and moments that have defined our shared security.”
Charles and Queen Camilla traveled to New York City, where they will pay their respects at the 9/11 Memorial and Museum.
Charles shared with Congress that as thousands of servicemembers and defense personnel and their families are stationed in the United Kingdom, British personnel “serve with equal pride” across 30 U.S. states.
Wiley commended the commitment to service between American and British veterans.
“Our American servicemen and women have stood proudly alongside our allies in the United Kingdom in war and peace, both understanding the call to serve and the heroic actions of those who gave all,” he said. “We commend their bravery of service in the aftermath of Sept. 11, and are honored that they, like all Americans, will never forget.”
Charles highlighted the alliance between the United States and Europe, and the future ahead between the two countries.
“The story of the United Kingdom and the United States is at its heart a story of reconciliation, renewal and remarkable partnership,” he said. “From the bitter divisions 250 years ago, we forged a friendship that has grown into one of the most consequential alliances in human history. I pray with all my heart that our alliance will continue to defend our shared values with our partners in Europe and the Commonwealth and across the world.
“So to the United States of America, on your 250th birthday, let our two countries rededicate ourselves to each other in the selfless service of our peoples and of all the peoples of the world.”
Reach Julia LeDoux at Julia@connectingvets.com.
