On Friday February 10th in North Bend Ohio, there was a birthday tribute to a North Bend, Ohio native who died unexpectedly on April 4th 1841 after only 31 days after being inaugurated as President of the United States.
A photo of President Harrison next to his tomb
His name was William Henry Harrison, from North Bend, Ohio. He became the ninth US President.
There was a parade running from the Village of North Bend Community Center traveling up the hill to the Harrison Tomb.
The parade participants for the Harrison event
The Mayor of the Village of North Bend – Doug Sammons was the emcee of the event
SAR members participate in the parade up the hill to the Harrison Tomb
Of special significance was the number of students from the Three Rivers School who sang the Star Spangled Banner during the wreath laying ceremony for President Harrison.
Also participating in the wreath laying ceremony were the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR – Ohio & Kentucky), the United States Daughters of 1812 and the Sons of the American Revolution (Cincinnati Ohio Chapter & Simon Kenton Kentucky Chapter).
Gary Duffield of Cincinnati SAR presents the SAR wreath
There was also a presentation of flags and one rifle and one musket salutes, one by the Green Township VFW Post 10380 as well as the Sons of the American Revolution (SAR) including members from Ohio and Kentucky.
SAR performs a musket salute
SAR members honor patriots by striking the mourn arms salute
Taps was played by Specialist Mindy Strahl Bugler from the 338th Army Band. We were grateful to hear the sounds of the bugler from the heights of the hill where the tomb stands.
Taps was played by Specialist Mindy Strahl
There was a moving “God Bless America” tribute played by the Taylor High School Band.
SAR members marching with flags and muskets up to the Harrison Tomb
Sons of the American Revolution flag bearers approaching the Harrison tomb
The closing prayer was spoken by Chaplain Colonel Robert Lewis of the 335th Signal Command.
The William Henry Harrison tomb in North Bend Ohio overlooking the Ohio River
This is an annual event and it continues to stir the soul and makes us appreciate the contributions special people like President Harrison made to our great country.
Inside of the Harrison family tomb with commemorative wreaths honoring the man and his family
Please take the opportunity to visit the President Harrison tomb in North Bend.
Color Guard and DAR/SAR Participants included:
Cincinnati – Ohio – SAR chapter – Michael Gunn, Ed Bonniwell, Gary Duffield, Lee Wilkerson, Jesse Moore, Scott Freeman
Simon Kenton – Kentucky – SAR chapter – Jim Conrad, Don Drewry, Jesse Moore and Stuart Martin.
Mary Ingles – Kentucky – DAR chapter included Esther Drewry
History of President Harrison:
He was born in Virginia in 1773, son of Benjamin Harrison V who was a founding father of the United States. He had a decorated military resume, with local history involving the Battle of Tippecanoe against Tecumseh. He was promoted to Major General during the War of 1812.
After the War of 1812, he moved to the North Bend Ohio area where he entered the political arena. In 1816 he was elected to represent the state of Ohio’s 1st district in the US House of Representatives. In 1824 he was elected to the United States Senate.
He was nominated to run for President in 1836 and although unsuccessful, was chosen again in 1840 where he was victorious. Unfortunately he became ill just after he was inaugurated in 1841 and died 31 days into his term.
