Wreath-laying marks President McKinley's birthday
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CANTON – Happy birthday William McKinley — this city remembers and the country hasn't forgotten.
It took just 15 minutes from beginning to end. Bagpiper Brian McElhinney opened the ceremony with a rendition of "Amazing Grace," and bugler Marty Maggart closed it with "Taps."
But it's the thought that counts.
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"The entirety of his life showed immense dedication ...," remarked Army Reserve Chaplain Maj. Timothy P. Paroz.
To country; to service.
Between the musical beginning and end, a small parade of officials representing local, state and federal governments, and military groups, placed wreaths in front of a bust of the former president outside of the William McKinley Presidential Library and Museum.
The annual event — which began at noon Saturday — honored the 179th birthday of McKinley.
The 25th president was born in Niles, but he rose to prominence as a Cantonian. A congressman, then Ohio governor, McKinley was elected to the White House in 1896; he was re-elected four years later, but was assassinated in September 1901.
Aside from the Library and Museum, which sit below the domed mausoleum that serves as his tomb, McKinley's name is used on things and places all over the area, to this day.
Locally, the McKinley name is represented on a street, high school, room at the Civic Center, the home of the National First Ladies Library, nursing home, daycare center, title agency, a rifle and pistol club and aviation service company, to name a few.
A smattering of people braved the cold to attend the wreath-laying service, which included a cannon blast. Canton Mayor Tom Bernabei and state Rep. Scott Oelslager (R-North Canton) and Jennifer Kiko, on behalf of U.S. Rep. Bob Gibbs (R-Lakeville), were among those who placed standing flower wreaths.
The final wreath, made of white and red carnations, along with purple irises, was placed by Brig. Gen. Jake S. Kwon, commander of the 316th Sustainment Command.
That wreath included a small card from "The President." The notation indicates it was presented on behalf of President Joe Biden.
Such wreath-laying ceremonies on the birthdays of former presidents is a practice that began more than a half-century ago by then-President Lyndon Johnson.
This article originally appeared on The Repository: President William McKinley, Canton favorite son, born 179 years ago
