Yesterday my family and I attended a wreath laying ceremony at the grave of William Henry Harrison, the ninth President of the United States. I tell about how we came to participate at this event in my last two blogs. I did not know until this event that wreaths are set at the grave of each president annually on (or near) his birthday. I thought this ceremony would be small, but I was wrong. These wreath settings are well planned, well attended because they are quite elaborate. A video can be seen at this link.

A color guard led the procession from North Bend Town Hall to the grave site of President William Henry Harrison

The ceremony for William Henry Harrison began at North Bend City Hall.

Sons and Daughters of the Revolution joined the procession behind the flags.

There were costumed participants from Sons and Daughters of the Revolution. William Henry Harrison was the last President born the colonial period of our country. He was also the last president to personally know every man who served as President before him.

The procession as it reaches the hill where our former president was buried.

We walked three blocks to the grave site. A color guard led the parade, followed by costumed personnel, military commanders, guests and then the High School band.

A view looking east from the grave site

We gathered at the beautiful spot above the Ohio River.

A view looking west from the grave site. The North Bend Mayor is speaking

The mayor of North Bend spoke first and MC’d the program.

An Army General brought the wreath and spoke about President Harrison's accomplishments

President Trump sent a representative, a general in the army, to lay the wreath.

The twenty-one musket salute

There were flag ceremonies and presentations, other wreaths set in place, and a 21 gun salute.

The High School Band

The local high school band played for the event.

Inside President Harrison's tomb

The entire event was very impressive. This is my first time attending such an event. I will probably look up some other events and celebrate our nation’s great history.