White House Historical Association Leads New Global Tradition on Presidents’ Day, Honoring Presidential Sites Abroad

Feb 20, 2023 Washington, D.C. —

The White House Historical Association is partnering with U.S. embassies, consulates, and cultural organizations around the world for the second annual Presidents’ Day Wreath Laying. Wreaths will be placed at presidential statues and monuments in the United States and abroad, honoring the history of American presidents globally and underscoring the meaningful leadership that each memorial represents.

Stewart McLaurin, president of the White House Historical Association, traveled to England and Scotland to participate in six wreath placement ceremonies, including at Trafalgar Square in London to honor George Washington and at Old Calton Cemetery in Edinburgh where the only Civil War memorial of Abraham Lincoln outside of North America is located.

“The significance of the wreath placements extends beyond Presidents’ Day,” said McLaurin. “It’s a testament to the deep personal and cultural ties U.S. presidents and their time in the White House have to nations overseas.”

The tradition began in 2022 when the Association worked with the U.S. Consulate in Edinburgh, Scotland to place a wreath at the statue of Abraham Lincoln. The wreath placement tradition has now expanded to thirteen countries including Bulgaria, Canada, Greece, Mexico, and others.

“It’s an honor to collaborate again with the White House Historical Association and help commemorate Lincoln’s presidency, celebrate our nation’s highest office, and honor the deep and historic ties between Scotland and the United States,” said Jack Hillmeyer, Consul General at the United States Consulate General Edinburgh. “American presidents, past and present, have played an integral role in fostering relationships in the world outside of the United States. Events like today’s wreath laying are important in increasing international understanding and appreciation of the unique role played by the American presidency abroad.”

The Presidents’ Day wreath placements are a constant reminder of the strong connections American presidents will continue to foster with counterparts across the globe.

Learn more about the wreath placement here.