On Tuesday, October 27, what would have been Theodore Roosevelt's 168th birthday, the second graders of the Oyster Bay school named for him walked up to his grave. Students from Theodore Roosevelt Elementary School joined local officials, historians and members of the U.S. Navy at Youngs Memorial Cemetery in Oyster Bay for a remembrance ceremony at the 26th president's graveside, according to the Oyster Bay-East Norwich Central School District.

The ceremony

Oyster Bay Town Historian John Hammond hosted. Navy service members led the Pledge of Allegiance, and Town of Oyster Bay Supervisor Joseph Saladino spoke about Roosevelt's life and his ties to Oyster Bay, where his home, Sagamore Hill, still stands. Theodore Roosevelt Elementary School Principal Devra Small introduced the second graders, who sang America the Beautiful under the direction of music teacher Elaine Ackerman.

Two Oyster Bay High School students, Richard Barillas and Tristan Constant, then played Taps on trumpet. To close the ceremony, the second graders walked up to the gravesite and laid flowers, a tradition of remembrance the district says the school takes part in.

Also in attendance, according to the district: Town Clerk Richard LaMarca, Chris Cosentino of the Theodore Roosevelt Association, members of the Friends of Sagamore Hill, and Superintendent of Schools Dr. Francesco Ianni.

Students covering students

The ceremony had its own press corps. Junior Noah Kingsley of Bay News Now, Oyster Bay High School's student news program, covered the tribute with broadcasting teacher Alex Dollin and interviewed Supervisor Saladino about the day.

Why Oyster Bay marks the date

Roosevelt was born in New York City on October 27, 1858, and made Oyster Bay his home for most of his adult life. Sagamore Hill, the house he built on Cove Neck, served as the Summer White House during his presidency and is now a national historic site run by the National Park Service. He died there in January 1919 and is buried at Youngs Memorial Cemetery, a short distance from the house.

Visiting

Sagamore Hill National Historic Site in Cove Neck is run by the National Park Service, which posts current hours, grounds access and house tour information on its site.

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