President and First Lady Nixon’s daughter Tricia Nixon Cox was joined by Navy Rear Admiral Mike Shatynski (right) and Commander Everett Alvarez, Jr. (left), the longest serving POW in Vietnam, for the Presidential Wreath laying at the memorial site of her parents.
Hundreds celebrated RN’s 97th birthday at the Nixon Library on Saturday, where events started with a Presidential wreath laying by daughter Tricia Nixon Cox. In an acknowledgment of the President’s Naval service World War II, Mrs. Cox was escorted by Navy Rear Admiral Mike Shatynski and Commander Everett Alvarez, Jr., who after being shot down over the skies of Vietnam remains among the longest captive POWs in American history. Later Saturday, Commander Alvarez was honored with the Foundation’s Great American Hero Award.
The ceremony also included a special invocation for RN by Chaplain Robert Thomas, remarks by Admiral Shatynski, a presentation of the colors by Sea Cadets from the Troy High School JROTC, and a solemn performance of “Taps” by a Navy bugler. Robbie Britt gave a riveting performance of “God Bless America.”
Courtesy of docent J.R. Davis, below is video of yesterday’s wreath laying ceremony: