2026 Annual Presidential Wreath-Laying Ceremony
- April 25, 2026
- Woodward Hill Cemetery, 508 S. Queen St., Lancaster, PA
- 10am
- FREE | Registration NOT Required
Join LancasterHistory at Woodward Hill Cemetery for the Annual Wreath Laying Ceremony for President James Buchanan, the United States’ 15th President. Taking place two days after Buchanan’s birthday, the ceremony features the laying of fresh flowers at the gravesite of the former president and remarks by the presiding officer of the Pennsylvania Army National Guard as well as local dignitaries.
Speakers Include:
- 1LT Morgan Conner, Master of Ceremony
- Reverand Dr. Joel Petruschke, Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, offering invocation and benediction
- Jean Weglarz, Woodward Hill Ceremony
- John Phillips, Senior Warden, Lodge 43
- Stephanie Celiberti, Manager of President James Buchanan’s Wheatland
- Brigadier General Frank J. McGovern, keynote speaker
Additional Ceremony Participants Include:
- The Red Rose Veterans Honor Guard, with Skip Walls as bugler
- Lancaster Fencibles with 21-gun salute
- Scout Troop 58
- CSM Albert Singleton, NCO in Charge
- 328th Light Support Battalion, Color Guard
- 56th Mobile Brigade Combat Team
- PA Army National Guard
This event is free and open to the public. No reservations are required. For directions to the Cemetery, please click here.
Featured Event Dedication/Memorial In-Person Event Off-Site Event Outdoor
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297 years and Lancaster County is still standing! Come toast the founding of Lancaster County with fun, facts, and a few surprises along the way. At our annual County Founding Day celebration, we’ll feature flash talks from local historians, pop-up exhibits, and the return of Lancaster County Cake Wars!