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Download full resolution image National Guard Honors 'Old Kinderhook'

National Guard Honors 'Old Kinderhook'

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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NY National Guard In the News

MyRye.com -- Mon, 11 May 2026 Honoring Service: Fallen Veteran Edward J. McNamara, WWI Our reporting on local veterans is a collaboration with RyeVets.org to highlight those from Rye who have served our country across times of war and peace. There are over 2,100 veterans from... (more)

Times Union -- Mon, 11 May 2026 Duty Calls: Two National Guard officers advance to brigadier general Two New York National Guard officers have advanced to the rank of brigadier. Jason Lefton, of Niskayuna, a veteran of the Iraq War, was promoted to brigadier general while commanding the... (more)

WNYT -- Thu, 07 May 2026 WWII soldier Joseph Burke laid to rest at Saratoga National Cemetery SCHUYLERVILLE, N.Y. (WNYT)- Second Lt. Joseph Burke was laid to rest with military honors after his remains were identified decades after he died as a prisoner of war. The funeral ceremony... (more)

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Dated: Sat, Dec 05, 2009 @ 6:56