CANTON ‒ William McKinley is still famous.
Nearly 123 years after the former president was assassinated, and now firmly in the digital age, he’s remembered. Want proof? A stately black and white photo of McKinley is planted amongst dozens of modern-day celebrities who were also born on Jan. 29 on the website Famousbirthdays.com.
So, on Monday, if you’re so inclined to say ‘Happy Birthday’ to Oprah, Tom Selleck, Sara Gilbert or even TikToker Lane Hancock, please don’t forget the 25th president of the U.S.
Canton didn’t; neither did the White House.
Annual wreath-laying honors his birthday
On Saturday at noon, eight wreaths were placed in front of a bust of the former president outside the William McKinley Presidential Library and Museum.
The wreath-laying was part of an annual ceremony held on or around McKinley’s birthday. The museum has been commemorating birthdays of all dead presidents for decades.
“There are so few presidential communities in the country,” explained Kim Kenney, the museum’s executive director. “This is a big deal … and we honor all the elements of his life.”