On Saturday, April 27, 2019, the National Park Service and the United States Military Academy at West Point will host the official government ceremony commemorating the 197th anniversary of President Grant’s birth. The ceremony will begin at 11:00 a.m., rain or shine (inside the mausoleum in the event of inclement weather), and last one hour.
The keynote speaker for this year’s ceremony will be Ron White, author of American Ulysses. A book-signing will follow the ceremony in the overlook pavilion across the street from Grant’s Tomb.
The ceremony will also include remarks from a representative of the United States Military Academy, representing President Donald Trump, and from Ulysses Grant Dietz, great-great-grandson of our eighteenth president. In addition, West Point cadets will provide an honor guard, conduct a wreath-laying ceremony, and fire a rifle salute.
Between 1:00 and 4:00 p.m., a children’s festival will take place in the park area behind Grant’s Tomb. Enjoy bluegrass music by New York City’s Astrograss and living history programming with Ulysses and Julia Grant. Come play Civil War Era games, become a Junior Ranger, and win prizes.
The U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary Flotilla Upper Manhattan will witness the ceremony and organize an activity for the children’s festival.
All of the day’s events are open to the public. Seating at the birthday ceremony is provided on a first-come, first served basis.
For More Information visit https://www.nps.gov/gegr/
