A traditional wreath-laying ceremony honoring former President Warren G. Harding was held in the former president's hometown of Marion, Ohio, on July 18, 2026.
The annual ceremony was held at the Harding Memorial, the final resting place of President Harding and First Lady Florence Harding, which is currently celebrating its 100-year anniversary. The event was attended by Brig. Gen. Kirk P. Dailey, deputy commanding general for support, 88th Readiness Division, representing President Donald Trump; Dr. Warren G. Harding III, grandnephew of President Harding; and Chaplain (Maj.) David Kuntz, 807th Theater Medical Command.
A special tribute to First Lady Florence Harding was led by Denise Iams, a longtime Harding site supporter. Taps was played by Sgt. Kestrel Wright of the 204th Army Band, and the presentation of the colors was conducted by the Marion Firefighters Local 379 Honor Guard.
Presidential wreath-laying ceremonies are a longstanding tradition that began in the 1930s under President Franklin D. Roosevelt and were formalized by President Lyndon B. Johnson on Aug. 11, 1966. The events are managed directly by the White House Military Office, which designates high-ranking military officials to represent the sitting president. The ceremonies are conducted annually on the birthday of each former U.S. president in conjunction with local organizations, such as the Harding Home and Presidential Library, which assisted with this year's ceremony.