Benjamin Harrison Presidential Wreath Laying Ceremony emphasizes Civil War Service

Photo By Catherine Carroll | Army Reserve Staff Sgt. David Lambermont, 338th Army Band, plays taps in remembrance of Benjamin Harrison during a Presidential Wreath Laying Ceremony at his memorial in Indianapolis, Aug. 16, 2014.  

INDIANAPOLIS, IN, UNITED STATES

08.16.2014

Story by Catherine Carroll 

88th Readiness Division

INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. – The life of Benjamin Harrison was celebrated during a wreath laying ceremony at his memorial site at Crown Hill Cemetery in Indianapolis, Indiana, August 16, 2014.

Army Reserve Brig. Gen. R.A. Bassford, deputy commanding general of the 88th Regional Support Command, performed the official duties of the ceremony on behalf of President Barack Obama and laid a wreath in his stead.

Attending the event in honor of the nation’s 23th president were members of the Indianapolis community, Crossroads of America Scout Band, Indiana Society Sons of the American Revolution, 19th U.S. Regular Infantry, and the Indiana Daughters of the American Revolution. During his remarks, Bassford spoke of President Harrison’s service to his country during the Civil War.

“When the Civil War broke out, Benjamin Harrison was already a successful lawyer in Indianapolis. Despite his success and despite being married with a family, he believed it was his duty to help preserve the Union,” Bassford said. “ Rather than stay home, he opted to serve – that’s a choice that shows character.”

Harrison’s military career exemplified the traits of leadership, duty and selfless service, Bassford said.

“Driven by a desire to serve, Harrison helped raise and equip the seventieth Indiana Infantry Regiment,” said Bassford. “When offered a chance to command the regiment by the governor of Indiana, Harrison declined the position. He joined the 70th Indiana in 1862 as a second lieutenant so he could learn the business of soldiering.”

Harrison performed his duties diligently and earned not only the respect and admiration of his Soldiers, but also earned his way to brigade commander in the 1st Division of the 20th Corps, commanding several regiments and thousands of men.

“General Sherman – a man not known to suffer fools – spoke well of Harrison, saying that he displayed foresight, discipline, and a fighting spirit. This was high praise indeed,” Bassford continued.

In recognition of Harrison’s leadership, service, and devotion to duty, President Lincoln promoted him to the rank of Brigadier General on Jan. 23, 1865.

“At the war’s end, Harrison left the service, returning to his home and his family on June 8, 1865. His military service was distinguished and successful – exemplifying leadership, duty, and selfless service,” Bassford continued. “Harrison’s life of service did not end with the Civil War, however. He continued to serve his nation and the people of Indiana in a number of public offices, including a term as senator from 1881 to 1887.”
Harrison was elected president in 1888 and served in office from 1889 to 1893.

His lists of accomplishments in office exemplify his character, Bassford stated. He strongly supported providing pensions for civil war veterans. He built a modern Navy. He created a national forest system, setting the stage for the preservation of millions of acres of wilderness. He signed the Sherman Anti-Trust Act “to protect trade and commerce against unlawful restraints and monopolies.

“Harrison’s life and legacy remain, and will continue to remain, a source a pride for his native Indiana,” Bassford continued. “His was a life well lived, marked with courage, a belief in service, and a desire to do what was right.”

• Date Taken: 08.16.2014
• Date Posted: 08.18.2014 11:43
• Story ID: 139643
• Location: INDIANAPOLIS, IN, US