The Final Resting Place of President John F. Kennedy: A Conversation

Join us 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.

Photo Release Statement

By attending this event, you consent to your likeness and image being used for ongoing promotional and marketing efforts.

About Sgt. James L. Felder

James L. Felder, a native of Sumter, South Carolina, has lived and worked in Atlanta, New York City, Chicago, and Washington, DC. After earning his undergraduate degree from Clark College in Atlanta, he served two years in the U.S. Army Honor Guard Ceremonial Unit in Washington, DC, becoming only the tenth Black American selected for this elite unit.

Following his military service, Felder earned his law degree from Howard University in 1967 and returned to South Carolina. He later served in the South Carolina House of Representatives (1970–72), becoming one of the first three Black legislators elected to the General Assembly since Reconstruction.

A 60-year member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Felder has held various leadership roles. He is also the author of four books, including I Buried John F. Kennedy and Civil Rights in South Carolina. Currently residing in Columbia, South Carolina, he remains active in the community and continues to write. Felder has two children, Jimmy and Adrienne, a son-in-law, Lancelot, and two grandchildren, Lancelot II and Sean.

About Sir Peter Crane

Peter Crane is President of the Oak Spring Garden Foundation in Virginia (osgf.org), an estate of Rachel Lambert Mellon that includes an exquisite garden as well as an exceptional library focused on the history of plant science, plant exploration, and the development of gardens and landscape design. He is known internationally for his work on the diversity of plant life – its origin, fossil history, current status, conservation and use. Previously he was Director of theField Museum in Chicago, Director of The Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew in the UK and Dean of the Yale University School of Forestry and Environmental Studies (now the Yale School of Environment). He is the recipient of several honorary degrees from universities in the UK and US. He received the International Prize for Biology in December 2014 as well as the Darwin-Wallace Medal of the Linnean Society of London and the Garden Club of America Medal of Honor in 2024.

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

Middleburg Community Center, 300 W. Washington St., Middleburg, United States