FORT LEE, Va. - Combined Arms Support Command personnel paid tribute to President James Monroe, the nation's 5th president, in a traditional wreath-laying ceremony held at Hollywood Cemetery in Richmond, Va., on April 28. Family members of Monroe, along with state and local dignitaries, were in attendance and listened as Brig. Gen. Edward M. Daly, Chief of Ordnance and Ordnance School commandant, delivered remarks on behalf of President Barrack Obama.
"President Monroe was a man of notable character who demonstrated all the values we as Americans hold in high regard: loyalty, duty, respect and personal courage," Daly said. "He selflessly served this nation as a citizen, citizen Soldier and government official."
Some of the many accomplishments he achieved during his lifetime included being elected governor of Virginia twice; minister to France, England and Spain; held the roles of secretary of state and secretary of war simultaneously; served in the Virginia House of Delegates and was a United States representative and senator.
Monroe fought in the American Revolutionary War, where he was injured with a musket ball to his shoulder during the Battle of Trenton. He studied law under Thomas Jefferson, was responsible for the Louisiana Purchase and the treaty for the acquisition of Florida from Spain.
In 1823, he announced the U.S. opposition to any European intervention with the Monroe Doctrine, which became a landmark in American foreign policy.
This year marks Monroe's 255th birthday. To pay homage to the nation's leaders, wreath laying ceremonies are held annually at the gravesite of each of the former presidents on their birthday. He was born April 28, 1758, in Westmoreland County, Va.
"As we leave these grounds, let us be inspired by President Monroe's commitment to duty and his personal sacrifices," Daly said. "May we strive to model the legacy he left for us, a life of unfailing dedication and diligent service, willingly sacrificed for a country he loved."
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