KINDERHOOK--New York Army National Guard Brig. Gen. Patrick Murphy (at left), Director of Joint Staff for the New York National Guard, and Chaplain (Col) Eric Olsen, New York State Chaplain, salute after laying a wreath at the gravesite of US President Martin VanBuren on Friday December 4th 2009.
The wreath laying, to mark the 227th anniversary of his birth on Dec. 5, 1782, is conducted each year by the New York National Guard at the request of the White House. Wreaths are laid on each president's grave on the anniversary of their birth.
Van Buren, who was born, lived and died in Kinderhook, was nicknamed "Old Kinderhook" by political supporters. Reportedly he signed approved paperwork with an "OK" which evolved into OK as a phrase indicating that things are good.
DMNA Press Releases
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Times Union -- Mon, 06 Apr 2026 Duty Calls: 109th Airlift Wing has a new top enlisted airman Chief Master Sgt. Vincent Fasano has assumed the responsibility of command chief of the New York Air National Guards 1,100-member 109th Airlift Wing at the Stratton Air National Guard Base... (more)
Military Spot.com -- Wed, 01 Apr 2026 Guard Using Tethered Drones for Protection APRIL 1, 2026 The New York Guards 105th Airlift Wing at Stewart Air National Guard Base is introducing tethered drones to its arsenal of safety and security equipment to enhance its ability... (more)
NationalGuard.mil -- Tue, 31 Mar 2026 New York Guard Elevates Force Protection with Tethered Drones STEWART AIR NATIONAL GUARD BASE, N.Y. The New York Guards 105th Airlift Wing at Stewart Air National Guard Base is introducing tethered drones to its arsenal of safety and security equipment... (more)