Press Release Index
CONTACT: Eric Durr, 518-786-4581
FOR RELEASE: Friday, Dec 05, 2008

National Guard General Honors President Martin Van Buren

Media Advisory

WHO:

Brig. Gen. Frederic Sheppard, the Deputy Commander of the New York Army National Guard and the Assistant Adjutant General of New York, an HonotrGuard of New York Army National Guard Soldiers, U.S. Mint Deputy Director Andy Brunhart, local officials and area elementary school students.

WHAT:

KINDERHOOK, NY (12/03/2008; 1200)(readMedia)-- Brigadier General Frederic Sheppard, the Deputy Commander of the New York Army National Guard, marks the 226th birthday of President Martin Van Buren by laying a wreath at Van Buren's grave site in Kinderhook New York. United States Mint Deputy Director Andy Brunhart will also particiapte in the event this year to mark the introduction of the Van Buren $1 coin with a ceremonial "coin pouring." Annual recognition of former President Martin Van Buren, a Columbia County native who died -on July 24, 1862 in Kinderhook, N.Y.

WHEN:

9:30 a.m. Friday, December 5.

WHERE:

Kinderhook Cemetery, County Route 21, Kinderhook New York

WHY: The United States Military honors our former presidents by laying wreaths at their gravesites on the anniversary of their birth. The New York Army and Air National Guard traditionally conduct the wreath layings at the graves of President Chester A. Arthur in Menands, and President Martin Van Buren in Kinderhook. This year the United States Mint will take part in the ceremony in order to highlight the Nov. 13 introduction of a Martin Van Buren Presidential $1 coin into circulation. Kinderhook Mayor Bill Van Alstyne, Valatie Mayor Gary Strevell, and Martin Van Buren Historic Site Superintendent Dan Dattilio will join Brig. Gen. Sheppard and Deputy director Bruhart in the coin pour. All attendees who are younger than 18 will receive a free dollar coin. Other attendees will be able to change dollars for coins. Background: Martin Van Buren: Van Buren was the first president born under the U.S. flag. A historical marker on Kinderhook's Hudson Street indicates the site of the Van Buren family tavern, where the president-to-be was born in 1782. He's buried in the family plot at the Kinderhook Reformed Cemetery. Van Buren served in the White House from 1837 to 1841. He ran for re-election in 1840 but was defeated by William Henry Harrison. He sought the Democratic nomination for president in 1844, but lost to James K. Polk. In 1848 he was the unsuccessful presidential candidate of the Free-Soil Party, a group opposing an extension of slavery. That defeat marked the end of his political career. Brig. Gen. Frederic Sheppard: Brigadier General Fredric D. Sheppard is the Assistant Adjutant General, New York Army National Guard, and also serves as the Deputy Commander of the New York Army National Guard, Latham, New York. Prior to this assignment, Sheppard served as the Commander, 53rd Troop Command, Valhalla, New York. Sheppard served as the Joint Task Force "Dual Hat" Commander in support of the 2004 Republican National Convention in New York City. He also coordinated the joint New York State Organized Militia Force emergency response to civil authorities during the September 11, 2001 World Trade Center attacks. Sheppard began his military career in 1970 by attending United States Army Basic Training at Fort Polk, Louisiana and subsequently graduating from United States Army Helicopter Pilot Flight School, Fort Rucker, Alabama in 1971. In 1972 after receiving his United States Army pilot wings, Sheppard reported to South Vietnam and served as a combat helicopter pilot flying 841 hours during his one year tour of duty. He completed his active duty service as an Instructor Pilot at Fort Rucker, Alabama before joining the New York Army National Guard in 1975. Sheppard served in a variety of military assignments to include Director of Aviation and Safety, Chief of Staff, Deputy Adjutant General and Commander of the 53rdTroop Command before his assignment as Deputy Commander for the New York Army National Guard, Latham, New York
© NYS DMNA Press Release:National Guard General Honors President Martin Van Buren
URL: https://dmna.ny.gov/pressroom/?id=1228333284
34.237.245.80
Page Last Modified: Jul 01, 2013