The Tennessee National Guard paid homage to the seventh U.S. President Andrew Jackson with a commemorative wreath-laying event on March 15 at his historic residence, The Hermitage. The ceremony marked what would have been the former President's 257th birthday. Col. Linda Kieser, Deputy Chief of Staff for Human Resources for the state, led the proceedings and subsequently placed a wreath at Jackson's tomb on behalf of the current President.
"General Jackson represents what it means to be a true Tennessean," Kieser said, as obtained by The Tennessee National Guard's official publication. Kieser celebrated Jackson's multifaceted career and his enduring passion for the welfare and security of both Tennessee and the nation. An esteemed gathering, including Howard J. Katell, president and CEO of the Andrew Jackson Foundation, attended the event, where both Kieser and Katell placed the wreath together at the historical figure's grave.
The ceremony also included an invocation by Lt. Col. Paul Gunn, a chaplain with the Tennessee Air National Guard. The occasion was further marked by the patriotic renditions of the National Anthem and taps performed by Sgt. Daniel Heck and Sgt. Jeremy Bryant from the 129th Army Band. Visitors could also be seen touring The Hermitage following the event—home to Jackson's tomb and a national historic landmark attracting over 75,000 people annually.
Kieser was joined for the wreath-laying by Katell, who lauded the event as an honor. "This was a great event, and it was a privilege to represent the U.S. President and to honor Jackson with Howard Katell," Kieser expressed. Katell, who has contributed 15 years to preserving Jackson's legacy and is soon to retire, was honored to participate in his last ceremony as president of the Foundation.
