NY National Guard marks President Martin Van Buren's Birthday with Kinderhook wreath laying ceremony today

KINDERHOOK, NEW YORK (12/05/2023) (readMedia)-- New York Army National Guard Major General Michel Natali will mark the 241st birthday of President Martin Van Buren today,Tuesday, December 5, by laying a wreath from the White House at the eighth president's grave in Kinderhook.

The laying of a wreath from President Joe Biden is part of a ceremony recognizing Van Buren, which includes the National Park Service, town and village officials, and Friends of Lindenwald, a volunteer group that supports the Martin Van Buren National Historic Site.

WHO: Major General Michel Natali, assistant adjutant general, Army for the New York National Guard; New York Army National Guard Command Sgt. Major Edwin Garris; and New York Army National Guard Soldiers who will form an honor cordon and provide a color guard.

WHAT: Annual recognition of President Martin Van Buren, a Kinderhook native who died on July 24, 1862, in Kinderhook. He was born on December 5, 1782. Natali will present the presidential wreath. Taps will be played during the wreath laying.

Since the Johnson Administration, military officers have laid a wreath from the sitting president at the graves of former presidents on their birthdays.

WHEN: 11 a.m. Tuesday, December 5.

WHERE: Kinderhook Cemetery, County Route 21, Kinderhook, New York.

Coverage Opportunities:

Images of the wreath-laying ceremony, the military color guard, and troops in formation. There will be opportunities to interview ceremony participants.