American Legion Leader Donna Reuss Brings Memorial Day Tribute to Life for Alexandria Students
Veteran Advocate and Community Leader Inspires Students Through Poetry and Service
Alexandria, VA — Inspiring students, faculty, and families alike, Donna Reuss took to the podium on Friday, May 22, to recite the iconic World War I poem “In Flanders Fields” by Canadian physician and soldier John McCrae as part of Lyles-Crouch Traditional Academy’s third-grade Memorial Day program.
The moving tribute honored the men and women who have served in the United States Armed Forces and paid special recognition to those who made the ultimate sacrifice in defense of their country.
A Lifetime of Service
Reuss, who currently serves as Second Vice Commander of American Legion Post 24, has dedicated decades of her life to public service both professionally and personally.
She retired after a 32-year career focused primarily on national security emergency preparedness and has remained deeply involved in civic and charitable work throughout Alexandria.
In 2019, Reuss received the Distinguished Alumni Circle Award from La Roche University, recognizing her longstanding commitment to leadership and service. Earlier this year, in April 2026, she established the Donna Reuss Service to Scholars Leadership Fund to support veteran and active-duty students. Through a $40,000 gift and a $200,000 estate commitment, the fund aims to reduce financial barriers and expand educational opportunities for military-connected students.
Continuing to Serve the Alexandria Community
In addition to contributing articles to The Zebra Press, Reuss volunteers extensively throughout the Alexandria community. She serves as a senior ambassador for Senior Services of Alexandria, delivering Meals on Wheels, groceries, and pet food to local seniors.
Her service also includes charitable work with the Knights of Peter Claver Ladies Auxiliary, participation in numerous church ministries and choir activities, and volunteer work as a lay cooperator with the Daughters of St. Paul bookstore ministry.
Reuss additionally supports programs through Catholic Charities Diocese of Arlington, cantors Mass, teaches yoga at the Alexandria Adult Detention Center, and serves on the executive boards of both her civic association and American Legion Post 24. A certified yoga instructor, she also enjoys traveling and studying art and ballet.
Honoring the Fallen Through Poetry
What becomes immediately clear to anyone fortunate enough to meet Reuss is her profound respect for veterans and military families, as well as her understanding of the sacrifices service members are asked to make.
The poem she recited during Friday’s ceremony remains one of the most enduring reflections on remembrance and duty:
In Flanders Fields
by John McCrae
In Flanders fields the poppies blow
Between the crosses, row on row,
That mark our place; and in the sky
The larks, still bravely singing, fly
Scarce heard amid the guns below.
We are the Dead. Short days ago
We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,
Loved and were loved, and now we lie
In Flanders fields.
Take up our quarrel with the foe:
To you from failing hands we throw
The torch; be yours to hold it high.
If ye break faith with us who die
We shall not sleep, though poppies grow
In Flanders fields.
