News Releases

News Releases

A National Tradition | May 8, 2023

On Monday, May 8, 2023, the Harry S. Truman Library and Museum will host the annual Wreath Laying Ceremony at the Tomb of President Harry S. Truman, marking the 139th anniversary of his birth. Long a tradition of the United States presidency, the incumbent commander in chief sends a tribute wreath on the birthday of each deceased president. The wreath is presented by a military officer and placed at the president’s tomb.

MEDIA ALERT / PHOTO OP: President’s Wreath Laying Ceremony

WHEN

Monday, May 8, 2023

WHAT

9 a.m. – President’s Wreath Laying Ceremony
On behalf of President Biden and the nation, a U.S. Army team from Ft. Leavenworth will lay a wreath at President Truman’s grave in honor of his 139th birthday. A military color guard and bugler from Ft. Leavenworth will perform during the ceremony. A few members of President Truman’s extended family are expected to attend the commemoration.

9:15 a.m. – American Legion Tribute to America’s 33rd Commander in Chief
Following the President’s wreath laying, representatives from more than two dozen American Legion posts will add wreaths at the gravesite in a dramatic patriotic ceremony. President Truman was an active member of the American Legion after his service as an artillery officer in World War I.

9 a.m.-5 p.m. – Free Museum Admission
Museum admission is waived on this day, in celebration of President Truman’s birthday.

WHERE

Harry S. Truman Presidential Library & Museum
500 West U.S. Highway 24, Independence, Missouri
Enter through East Entrance – Ceremony is in center courtyard.

WHY

President Truman’s birthday is on Monday, May 8. It is also the 78th anniversary of V-E Day when World War II ended in Europe. It is a tradition that the White House sends a wreath via a personal representative of the President to honor a deceased President on their birthday. The President’s representative is Brigadier General Katherine A. Trombley, Deputy Commanding General, Army Reserve, U.S. Army Combined Arms Center at Fort Leavenworth in Leavenworth, Kansas.

MEDIA CONTACT

Dean Davison | 816.787.2886 | Dean@DavisonStrategicComms.com

BACKGROUND

Following a dramatic $29 million museum transformation, the Harry S. Truman Presidential Library & Museum is open seven days a week. It has just been named a Blue Star Museum, providing free admission for current military members and their families from Memorial Day through Labor Day.

The Truman Library has also been recognized as a museum on the Civil Rights Trail. 2023 is the 75th anniversary of President Truman’s landmark decision to desegregate the armed forces.