Mourning the death of a national figure is never an easy task, but when it comes to honouring the life and legacy of a President, the weight of delivering a heartfelt and appropriate eulogy can be daunting. This is the story behind the eulogy delivered by a former president at James Garfield's funeral, a testament to the depth of their friendship and the significance of Garfield's presidency.
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The Death of President James Garfield
James Garfield, the 20th President of the United States, served for just 200 days before an assassin's bullet cut his life and presidency short. Garfield was shot on July 2, 1881, by Charles J. Guiteau, a disgruntled lawyer who believed himself owed a government position. After suffering for two months, Garfield succumbed to his injuries on September 19, 1881.
Garfield's Funeral
With a nation in mourning, it was essential to organise an appropriate funeral for the fallen President. His body was taken from Washington, D.C., back to his home state of Ohio, where he was eventually laid to rest in Lake View Cemetery, Cleveland.
The funeral procession and ceremony were sombre and solemn, as the country mourned the loss of their leader. But it was the eulogy that would be remembered for years to come, for it was delivered by none other than the 19th President of the United States, Rutherford B. Hayes.
Rutherford B. Hayes and James Garfield's Friendship
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Rutherford B. Hayes and James Garfield were not only fellow Republicans but also close friends, having served together in the House of Representatives before Hayes's presidency. The two men shared a mutual respect and admiration for each other, both personally and politically.
Garfield's support and friendship were instrumental in Hayes's election to the presidency in 1876, and when Garfield was nominated for president in 1880, Hayes was one of his most enthusiastic supporters.
During Garfield's brief presidency, the two men communicated regularly, discussing both personal and political matters. It was evident that their bond transcended typical political alliances, and they developed a genuine camaraderie.
The Significance of Hayes Delivering the Eulogy
As a testament to their friendship, Rutherford B. Hayes was asked to deliver the eulogy at James Garfield's funeral. It was an unprecedented event, as no former president had ever given a eulogy at a presidential funeral before. The gesture underlined just how meaningful their relationship was – not just politically, but on a deeply personal level as well.
In Hayes's eulogy, he praised Garfield's character, his commitment to his country, and the accomplishments he achieved in his short time as president. He also emphasised the tragedy of Garfield's assassination and mourned what his friend would have achieved had he lived longer.
At James Garfield Funeral Which President Delivered His Eulogy Example:
Here's an excerpt from Hayes's eulogy for James Garfield:
"With a feeling of profound sorrow, I come to bear my part in the tribute of affection and respect which this great multitude has assembled here to pay to the memory of him who has so recently passed from our sight under circumstances of such profound sadness – President Garfield. It is not for me to enumerate the reasons for his distinction, or to mention the various merits which entitled him to that distinction. They are known to you all. I speak of him because I know him well, because I was his friend, because I stood near him in the hour of his greatest trials, and because I feel that I owe him a debt of gratitude."
The eulogy given by Rutherford B. Hayes at James Garfield's funeral is a testament to the power of friendship and mutual respect between two men who shared both political and personal bonds. As the first-ever former president to deliver a eulogy at a presidential funeral, Hayes honoured Garfield's memory and left an indelible mark on the American people.
If you're inspired by this historical event and need assistance in crafting a moving eulogy for a loved one, explore the resources available at Eulogy Assistant. Our guides will help you honour your loved one's memory with grace and sincerity. Share this fascinating story with others, and continue to dive into history with our other captivating articles.