A special ceremony was held on Sunday, Jan. 6, to recognize the 100th anniversary of President Theodore Roosevelt’s death. Several dozen people gathered at his grave site in Youngs Memorial Cemetery in Oyster Bay to honor the life and accomplishments of the 26th president who called Oyster Bay home.
“This ceremony and wreath laying provides the opportunity to reflect on the life of someone so influential that his impact can still be readily seen across the American landscape a century after his passing,” said Joseph Saladino, Town of Oyster Bay supervisor. “President Theodore Roosevelt was a national treasure—I think that we can all agree that there’s a special local pride in knowing that he proudly called Oyster Bay his home town.”
Attendees of the ceremony included Boy Scouts of America Theodore Roosevelt Council Troop 253 of Oyster Bay, Troop 176 of Bayville, Troop 300 of Hempstead and Troop 43 of Sea Cliff, as well as Cub Scouts and Tigers, who were asked to lead the group in the Pledge of Allegiance. Also present were Ed Mohlenhoff, president of Youngs Memorial Cemetery; Howard Ehrlich of the Theodore Roosevelt Association; members of the Roosevelt family on the Youngs Memorial Cemetery board, including Elizabeth Roosevelt, Philip Roosevelt and Michael Roosevelt; and Kelly Fuhrman, superintendent of Sagamore Hill National Historic Site. Deacon James Murphy of St. Edwards the Confessor gave the opening prayer and Saladino provided some remarks before the Scouts laid the wreath with him on the grave.
“Theodore Roosevelt achieved greatness, not only as an American president but also as a historian, biographer, statesman, hunter, outdoorsman, naturalist, fisherman, writer and the winner of a Nobel Peace Prize,” said Saladino. “He was admired by
many, regardless of their political persuasion. He set an important standard for all of those who seek public office; he was the most worthy role model for all of us, and to this day, President Roosevelt’s influence continues to be felt.”
In closing, Saladino said, “Let’s go forward today and continue day after day with his sense of duty, sense of purpose, and a willingness to put the needs of others ahead of our own.”
What did you think of this article? Share your thoughts with me by email at: jnossa@antonmediagroup.com.
