Sunday, November 15, 2026
Second graders from Theodore Roosevelt Elementary School gathered at Youngs Memorial Cemetery in Oyster Bay on Oct. 27 to honor the life and legacy of President Theodore Roosevelt on what would have been his 168th birthday. The students participated in a remembrance ceremony at the president’s graveside, joining local officials, historians and community members in paying tribute to one of Oyster Bay’s most celebrated residents.
The ceremony brought together several distinguished guests, including Town of Oyster Bay Supervisor Joseph Saladino, Town Clerk Richard LaMarca, Chris Cosentino of the Theodore Roosevelt Association, Oyster Bay Town Historian John Hammond, members of the Friends of Sagamore Hill, Superintendent of Schools Francesco Ianni and members of the U.S. Navy.
Emceed by Hammond, the ceremony began with the Pledge of Allegiance, led by members of the U.S. Navy. Saladino then spoke on Roosevelt’s life, accomplishments and deep ties to the Oyster Bay community.
Theodore Roosevelt Elementary School Principal Devra Small introduced the second graders, who performed a rendition of “America the Beautiful” under the direction of music teacher Elaine Ackerman. Oyster Bay High School students Richard Barillas and Tristan Constant followed with a solemn trumpet performance of taps.
To conclude the ceremony, the second graders approached Roosevelt’s gravesite and laid flowers in his honor. Junior Noah Kingsley of Oyster Bay High School’s student news program, Bay News Now, was also on hand with broadcasting teacher Alex Dollin to document the event and interview Supervisor Saladino about the tribute’s significance.
