R
Governor Romney Lays Wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.
++Note press loudly shouted qs to Romney at end but were ignored.
Honor guard stood at attention down the middle of a plaza. A group of perhaps 12 WWII Polish veterans stood on the other side of the plaza leading up the memorial.
Romney came to the top of the walkway accompanied by an officer in uniform (his nameplate said Bieniak and he was a 2 star general), a woman in purple (she is the Warsaw mayor Hanna Gronkiewicz but the title is “President of Warsaw”) and two uniformed men who walked a wreath of red, white and blue flowers up to the monument. Romney walked in unison, matching the wreath-bearers’ cadence.
The memorial was an open-air structure composed of archways. Inside a tomb where a flame flickered. The soldiers placed the wreath on the tomb. Romney walked slowly up and arranged the ribbons on the wreath so they hung correctly, then bowed his head.
He walked back outside the memorial and stood with the mayor and the other man in uniform as TAPS was played on trumpet.
Romney then walked over to a book and signed it.
Pool cams moved to position for another shot — meanwhile Romney went back into memorial. Pool not allowed back into memorial, but uni folks were over there for editorial and there were some other cameras. I’m told the general explained the history of the tomb to Romney.
Next shot you’ll see is Romney working ropeline of WWII vets and then veterans of the wars of Iraq and Afghanistan.
Romney patted his heart after greeting the soldier closest to camera. You’ll hear audio of him telling the men “we appreciate your service” as he shook their hands.
Next shot is of Romney chatting w the mayor and the general at the base of a large ornamental cross. Handshakes all around.
As Romney walked to motorcade, members of press shouted questions about gaffes on this trip, about any words Romney might have for Palestinians. These were ignored. Will be audible.
Rolling to meeting with Polish president.
