October 27, 2026 - The Theodore Roosevelt Association (TRA) joined community leaders, local officials, students, and historical organizations at Youngs Memorial Cemetery in Oyster Bay, New York, on October 27th to commemorate the 168th birthday of President Theodore Roosevelt.
The annual wreath-laying ceremony, led by Town of Oyster Bay Historian John Hammond, brought together members of the community to honor the life and enduring legacy of the 26th President of the United States, who called Oyster Bay home.
Among those attending was TRA Executive Director Chris Cosentino, Town of Oyster Bay Supervisor Joseph Saladino, Theodore Roosevelt Elementary School Principal Devra Small, Oyster Bay-East Norwich Central School District Superintendent Dr. Francesco Ianni, Youngs Memorial Cemetery President Edward C. Mohlenhoff, and Alexcy Romero, Interim Superintendent of Sagamore Hill National Historic Site.
Also participating were the Nassau County Police Department Color Guard, Captain William Brochu of the Lt. Quentin Roosevelt Squadron of the Civil Air Patrol, and representatives of the Friends of Sagamore Hill.
As part of the ceremony, Charlotte Miska and Stephen Gilroy of the Friends of Sagamore Hill presented wreaths at President Theodore Roosevelt's gravesite, joined by Heidi Antonucci, Commanding Officer of Navy Reserve Center Long Island.
One of the morning's most memorable moments came when second-grade students from Theodore Roosevelt Elementary School performed America the Beautiful before placing flowers at President Theodore Roosevelt's final resting place.
"President Theodore Roosevelt's legacy is about more than remembering the past. It is about inspiring future generations to embrace leadership, service, and citizenship," said Chris Cosentino, Executive Director of the Theodore Roosevelt Association. "Seeing these young students participate in today's ceremony reminds us why preserving his legacy matters. Our responsibility is not simply to tell his story, but to ensure that the values he championed continue to inspire Americans today."
Born on October 27, 1858, Theodore Roosevelt became one of the nation's most influential presidents, remembered for his conservation achievements, commitment to public service, and belief in the responsibilities of citizenship. He remains the only American president to have received both the Nobel Peace Prize and the Medal of Honor.
For the Theodore Roosevelt Association, the annual birthday commemoration reflects its ongoing mission to preserve President Theodore Roosevelt's legacy and promote his ideals through historical scholarship, youth engagement, conservation, and programs honoring military and law enforcement service.
As the nation celebrates the 168th anniversary of his birth, the TRA remains committed to ensuring that President Theodore Roosevelt's example continues to inspire future generations to lead, serve, and, in his own words, "Dare Mighty Things."