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The Middleburg Business & Professional Association
The Middleburg Business & Professional Association
Join Oak Spring Garden Foundation for a captivating discussion about the burial of President John F. Kennedy at Arlington National Cemetery, the creation of his gravesite, and the fascinating story behind an abandoned memorial wreath. Elinor Crane, who played a key role in the search for this long-forgotten memorial, will be joined by Sgt. James Felder, who led President Kennedy’s Honor Guard during the somber days following the assassination, including the ceremonial burial on November 25, 1963.
A poignant moment from the burial ceremony was when the Honor Guard, representing all branches of the U.S. military, removed their caps as a final mark of respect before leaving the grave. These caps were placed on the grave and remained there until April 1967. This inspired the concept of a memorial wreath, designed by renowned French jewelry designer Jean Schlumberger of Tiffany & Co. and crafted by sculptor and goldsmith Louis Féron. Though prepared for installation, the wreath project was quietly abandoned in the early 1970s.
Years later, during the COVID-19 pandemic, Elinor Crane and Nancy Collins from the Oak Spring Garden Foundation undertook extensive research to track down the missing wreath. Their efforts led to the remarkable discovery of the memorial, which had been stored in the offsite collections of the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum under the sculptor’s name, “Féron.”
Moderated by Sir Peter Crane, President of the Oak Spring Garden Foundation, this event will delve into the untold story of President Kennedy’s gravesite memorial, the artistry behind the wreath, and the historical journey to rediscover a lost symbol of national remembrance.
Registration and Arrival:
This event will be capped at 100 attendees. Registrations will be accepted on a rolling basis through Eventbrite until full. Doors for the lecture will open at 10:00am with light refreshments. The lecture will officially begin at 10:30am.
Please note: Copies of Sgt Felder’s book will be available for purchase with cash only.
Established in the 1960s, the Middleburg Business and Professional Association is a membership-based organization that works to promote, enhance and support the local businesses of Middleburg, Virginia, “The Nation’s Horse & Hunt Capital.