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A clear sky and warm, autumn sun provided the ideal backdrop to
honor the 19th president of the United States during a ceremony in
Fremont, Ohio on October 8, 2017.
Rutherford B. Hayes
was laid to rest in this northwest Ohio town in 1893. Prior to that,
he served the nation in public service roles ranging from city
solicitor to major general and ultimately president. To honor his
service, a wreath was placed at the tomb he shares with his wife,
Lucy, on the 195th anniversary of his birth on behalf of the
President of the United States Donald J. Trump.
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This photo of President Rutherford Hayes was probabaly taken by Mathew
Brady between 1877-1880, but could have occurred anytime during
1870-1880. (This orginal historic image courtesy of the Library of Congress
has been restored with this scaled image enhanced by USA Patriotism!)
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“True legacy lies in sharing what you have learned.
Passionately immersing yourself into life so that your
accomplishments long outlive your time on earth,” said Brig.
Gen. Stephen E. Strand, who was representing President
Donald J. Trump and placed a wreath at the tomb of Hayes and
his wife, Lucy, and serves as the deputy chief of engineers
(Reserve affairs). “As such, President Hayes left a true
legacy.”
That legacy includes a large family and an
even larger service ledger. In 1858, Hayes was elected as
the city solicitor for Cincinnati, Ohio. He served in that
position until he volunteered for service in the Civil War
with the 23rd Ohio Volunteer Infantry where rose to the rank
of major general, despite being injured multiple times.
During his time in uniform, Hayes was elected to serve
Ohio’s 2nd Congressional District, a post he refused to take
until the war was over.
Hayes served the 2nd district
for two terms and was then elected to serve as governor of
Ohio for two terms as well. When Hayes was called upon to
serve once more as president, he vowed that it would only be
for one term. And it was, from 1877 to 1881.
“Throughout his years of war, political service and
presidency, Hayes remained honest, optimistic and decisive,”
Strand said. “He knew the power of compromise and worked
tirelessly for fairness and equality for all of our
country’s citizens.”
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October 8, 2017 - Brigadier Gen. Stephen E. Strand, left, deputy
chief of engineers (Reserve affairs), and Chap. (Maj.) Dawn Siebold,
88th Regional Support Command chaplain, salute the wreath they
placed at the tomb of former President Rutherford B. Hayes during a
ceremony honoring the 19th president of the United States in
Fremont, Ohio. (U.S. Army photo by Zachary Mott)
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Honoring past presidents is an honor that continues each
year. Family members from each president often attend and
participate, as well. A descendent of President Hayes, John
Hayes, attended this ceremony and placed a wreath at the
tomb beside the one placed by Strand.
“It’s important
to keep the legacy of what his son did in creating this
library and museum for the public to house his presidential
papers,” he said. “It’s a living history. It’s an honor to
be part of this ceremony and part of this family.”
By U.S. Army Zachary Mott
Provided
through DVIDS
Copyright 2017
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