CEREMONY COMMEMORATES 14TH US PRESIDENT

A graveside ceremony commemorated President Franklin Pierce’s 216th birthday on Nov. 24 at Concord’s Old North Cemetery. New Hampshire Guardsmen and the Pierce Brigade led the wreath-laying service. Pierce was in office from 1853 to 1857 and is the only New Hampshire resident to be elected president.

Thomas Fisk, vice president of the local Pierce Brigade, and Sgt. Maj. Caleb Smith, 197th Field Artillery Brigade, NHARNG, place a floral wreath at the grave of Franklin Pierce. Command Sgt. Maj. Sage Ladieu, 54th Troop Command, and Sgt. Maj. Caleb Smith, 197th Field Artillery Brigade, NHARNG, arrange for the annual Franklin Pierce Wreath Laying Ceremony

Sgt. 1st Class William Martin, Joint Force Headquarters, NHARNG, unfurls Old Glory. An Honor Guard comprising NHNG soldiers and airmen perform during the ceremony. From left is Staff Sgt. John Nedeau, Sgt. 1st Class William Martin, Master Sgt. Robert Rojek, Senior Airman Igor Machado Nunez and Command Sgt. Maj. Sage Ladieu.

Photos by Staff Sgt. Charles Johnston, NHNG Deputy State PAO.