Former U.S. Senator John Warner, a veteran of World War II and the Korean War, was the featured speaker at the Nov. 10 meeting of the Alexandria Rotary Club.

The 93-year-old Warner gave a virtual presentation that included a discussion of his personal history, including his experiences in WWII and Korea and transition to politics. Warner served as U.S. Secretary of the Navy from 1972-74 and as senator from Virginia from 1979 to 2009. His 30-year tenure stands as the second longest in Virginia, behind only Harry F. Byrd Jr.

A member of the Republican party, Warner is known for his bipartisan work in politics, including endorsements of several Democratic candidates over the years, including his successor in the senate, Mark Warner, and current President-elect Joe Biden.

“I have supported candidates based on the character of the individual,” Warner said.

A resident of Alexandria, Warner continues to lecture on government and expressed concern for the recent political climate.

“We’ve got to unite this country,” Warner said. “This is unlike anything I have witnessed since the outbreak of World War II. We can and have to do better.”