On November 25, 2025, a wreath-laying ceremony was held at Old North Cemetery in Concord, New Hampshire to honor the 218th birthday of President Franklin Pierce, the 14th President of the United States. The event featured a formal Color Guard presentation and musket salute by Guardsmen Doug Wood, Curtis Hermann, Paul Ford, Brush Bradley, and Al Lamson, joined by Lois Hermann (DAR) as flag carrier.

This ceremony is part of a long-standing tradition: each year, the White House honors the birthdays of past U.S. presidents by sending a commemorative wreath to their resting places—a practice that began in the 1960s as a gesture of national gratitude. Franklin Pierce, a New Hampshire native who served from 1853 to 1857, is remembered for his efforts to preserve the Union during a time of growing division.

The event was hosted by the Pierce Brigade, the volunteer organization that owns and maintains the Pierce Manse, preserving the home and legacy of Franklin Pierce. The program was led by the New Hampshire National Guard, with Lt. Elise MacLaughlin serving as master of ceremonies and Col. Tony Pellenz delivering the keynote address. The wreath was placed by NHSODAR Regent Marilyn Huston and Col. Pellenz, with members of the Molly Stark Chapter, DAR, and the Pierce Brigade in attendance.

Adding a special touch, St. John Regional School’s 4th Grade class led the Pledge of Allegiance and learned the time-honored tradition of cheering “Hip, Hip, Huzzah!”—a salute that connects today’s youth with the spirit of the past.

Following the ceremony, a reception was hosted by the Pierce Brigade at the Pierce Manse, where attendees enjoyed refreshments and a guided tour of the historic home, offering a deeper look into the life and legacy of Franklin Pierce.

Together, these groups—the NH National Guard, the Pierce Brigade, the NH SAR, and the NH DAR—helped honor Pierce’s legacy, reminding us of the enduring connection between our history and the communities that keep it alive.

Photo Credits: Cole Hermann, Lois Hermann and Molly Stark Chapter, DAR