Showing support

BY COLTON MOKOFSKY

DAILY NEWS STAFF WRITER

Nine-year-old Sawyer Hendrickson just can’t be stopped.

Through her passion and determination, even at such a young age, it has become her life’s mission to give active military personnel and veterans the praise, recognition and support they deserve.

Her efforts don’t go unnoticed, either. Recently, on her ninth birthday, Hendrickson was invited to lay a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, an honorary ritual to remember those soldiers who were lost, but never found.

She was also honored by the tomb guards.

“She was being recognized by the tomb guards for the support that she shows to them for their service and also for all the service she provides worldwide to our military and veterans,” said Sawyer’s mom, Heather. “We arrived to a huge snowstorm in Washington D.C., so Arlington National Cemetery was closed on her birthday due to the weather, so she was invited by Congressman Bill Huizenga to go over to the capitol and sit in a session with Congress.”

Huizenga recognized Sawyer for her work during that same session. When the weather cleared, the wreath laying was scheduled for the next day. She took part in a ceremony and was again recognized by a military leader.

“It was attended by the director of Arlington National Cemetery MSG John Freeland, who also commended her for her dedication to our military, veterans, and honoring our fallen heroes,” Heather said. Sawyer said that was the most humbling part of the trip.

SEE HENDRICKSON, A8

Sawyer Hendrickson walks down a set of stairs to the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier as part of a wreath laying ceremony to remember those who were lost, but never found in battle.

COURTESY PHOTO

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“The honor of laying my second wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in the past six months. It was very important to pay respect and honor to those that are laid to rest at the tomb, because we do not know who they are,” she said.

She said she also felt sad for what the tomb represented.

"They died fighting for our freedom. It is a privilege to be given the honor to lay a wreath for them. When you are at the tomb, everything should be about respect for the unknowns and the ultimate sacrifice they paid for my freedom,” she said.

The guards were so impressed by Sawyer’s dedication, they threw her an impromptu birthday party.

The guards also allowed Sawyer and her mother to see the private chambers, where Sawyer was able to hold the bayonet that is used when the changing of the guard takes place. They also awarded her with challenge coins to show their support.

But there was still work to be done by Sawyer.

“Following her wreath laying … she laid 1,200 yellow roses on headstones to pay her respects to those who gave all,” Heather said.

Heather said local businessmen Adam Lamb of Ludington Yacht Sales and Random Messeder of Lighthouse Realty each purchased 250 of the roses for Sawyer to lay.

“It felt memorable. I was kind of happy to myself, because I was honoring them and I was trying to remember them in an honored way,” she said.

On March 23, Sawyer became the first civilian child allowed clearance to visit Walter Reed Medical Center to meet wounded soldiers.

“She spent the morning handing out Wesco smiley face cookies and painted ‘hero rocks’ to those who are currently recovering from injuries on the battle- field," Heather said. It was a quick return home before Sawyer took yet another trip to do several events down south near Biloxi, Mississippi.

“She visited the Armed Forces Retirement Home and gave out small potted plants and more painted rocks.

She met with NASCAR legends Harry Gant and Jeff Hammond, who both recognized her for the work she does,” Heather said. “She went to the VA Hospital and met with veterans recovering as well as laid flowers on the head stones at the national cemetery.”

Sawyer said she hopes honor and thank the military through her work for a long time to come.

“I feel like I will have a lot more opportunities to do stuff,” she said.

colton@ludingtondailynews.com (231) 843-1122 x326

Sawyer hugs a soldier she gave a cookie to at Walter Reed Medical Center, where wounded soldiers are cared for.

Sawyer salutes a grave site at Arlington National Cemetery. Sawyer’s mother, Heather, said she laid 1,200 roses to pay her respects that day.

Sawyer Hendrickson holds up a bayonet used during the changing of the guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.

HEATHER HENDRICKSON | COURTESY PHOTO