As Americans observe Memorial Day with parades and concerts this weekend, a brass quintet from “The President’s Own” will mark the occasion with special fanfare at the Rutherford B. Hayes Presidential Library and Museum in Fremont, Ohio. At 3 p.m., Saturday, May 28, the brass quintet will perform a concert on the veranda of the Hayes estate and will also provide music for the Centennial Celebration at 1 p.m., Sunday, May 29.
It’s a homecoming for French horn player Master Gunnery Sgt. Amy Horn, who is a native of Fremont. “Many hours of my childhood were spent in the museum and on the paths of this beautiful place which lies in the heart of Fremont,” she said. “It still plays a huge role in the cultural life of the town and invites neighbors and visitors alike to stroll its beautiful grounds. I am so pleased and proud that our quintet could share our music with the folks there and be a part of this historic event!”
The Hayes Presidential Library and Museum is America’s first presidential library and the forerunner for the modern federal presidential library system. On Memorial Day 1916, Col. Webb Hayes, son of President Hayes, made his father’s papers and artifacts available to the public for research with the opening of a library and museum on his parents’ estate, also known as Spiegel Grove. The Centennial Celebration will feature keynote speaker journalist Cokie Roberts and the museum will unveil a $1.5 million renovation including new exhibit galleries and a new, handicapped-accessible main entrance.
Horn carefully selected the music for the May 28 performance. “The theme will be popular musical selections played by the Marine Band and heard at the White House during Madison’s administration in 1816, Hayes’ time in office, Wilson’s administration in 1916, and the present occupants, President Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama. Pieces include ‘Mrs. Madison’s Minuet,’ ‘Battle Hymn of the Republic,’ a medley of songs from the World War I era, and a George M. Cohan medley.”
The events are free, tickets are not required. Please visit http://www.rbhayes.org for more information.