White House Historical Association Leads New Global Tradition on Presidents’ Day, Honoring Presidential Sites Abroad
More Than Thirteen U.S. Embassies, Consulates and Cultural Organizations Around the World Join in Wreath Laying Ceremonies Honoring Past Presidents and Their Cultural Impact
Feb 20, 2023 Washington, D.C. —
The White House Historical Association is partnering with U.S. embassies, consulates, and cultural organizations around the world for the second annual Presidents’ Day Wreath Laying. Wreaths will be placed at presidential statues and monuments in the United States and abroad, honoring the history of American presidents globally and underscoring the meaningful leadership that each memorial represents.
Stewart McLaurin, president of the White House Historical Association, traveled to England and Scotland to participate in six wreath placement ceremonies, including at Trafalgar Square in London to honor George Washington and at Old Calton Cemetery in Edinburgh where the only Civil War memorial of Abraham Lincoln outside of North America is located.
“The significance of the wreath placements extends beyond Presidents’ Day,” said McLaurin. “It’s a testament to the deep personal and cultural ties U.S. presidents and their time in the White House have to nations overseas.”
The tradition began in 2022 when the Association worked with the U.S. Consulate in Edinburgh, Scotland to place a wreath at the statue of Abraham Lincoln. The wreath placement tradition has now expanded to thirteen countries including Bulgaria, Canada, Greece, Mexico, and others.
“It’s an honor to collaborate again with the White House Historical Association and help commemorate Lincoln’s presidency, celebrate our nation’s highest office, and honor the deep and historic ties between Scotland and the United States,” said Jack Hillmeyer, Consul General at the United States Consulate General Edinburgh. “American presidents, past and present, have played an integral role in fostering relationships in the world outside of the United States. Events like today’s wreath laying are important in increasing international understanding and appreciation of the unique role played by the American presidency abroad.”
The Presidents’ Day wreath placements are a constant reminder of the strong connections American presidents will continue to foster with counterparts across the globe.
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First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy envisioned a restored White House that conveyed a sense of history through its decorative and fine arts. She sought to inspire Americans, especially children, to explore and engage with American history and its presidents. In 1961, the nonprofit, nonpartisan White House Historical Association was established to support her vision to preserve and share the Executive Mansion’s legacy for generations to come. Supported entirely by private resources, the Association’s mission is to assist in the preservation of the state and public rooms, fund acquisitions for the White House permanent collection, and educate the public on the history of the White House. Since its founding, the Association has given more than $100 million to the White House in fulfillment of its mission.
To learn more about the White House Historical Association, please visit WhiteHouseHistory.org.