A contingent from the U.S. Military Academy participated in the commemoration of former President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s 141st birthday Jan. 30 in Hyde Park, N.Y. The wreath laying is an annual event that takes place in the rose garden at the FDR Presidential Library and Museum and is hosted by the National Park Service at the home of the FDR National Historic Site.
USMA Dean of the Academic Board Brig. Gen. Shane Reeves placed a Presidential Wreath on the behalf of President Joseph R. Biden in honor of FDR at the event. Also in attendance from West Point were the U.S. Corps of Cadets Brigade and 3rd Regiment Staff as the Color Guard who performed honor guard duties, the West Point Military Police Honor Guard who fired salutary volleys, and Staff Sgt. Katherine Stephen (bugle) and Master Sgt. Jeff Prosperie (drums) from the West Point Band Field Music Group, The Hellcats, played Taps.
FDR entered the presidency at the height of the Great Depression and led the country during World War II. Roosevelt was president from 1933-45 and died during his unprecedented fourth term in office.
Photos and text by Eric S. Bartelt/PV