AIAC AT THE WILL ROGERS MEMORIAL MUSEUM’S 90TH ANNIVERSARY WREATH LAYING CEREMONY
For Immediate Release
August 15, 2025 - Claremore, Oklahoma The Will Rogers Memorial Museum hosted a special wreath laying ceremony at noon on Friday, August 15, 2025, to commemorate the 90th anniversary of the death of Will Rogers, America's beloved humorist, political commentator, actor, and "Oklahoma's Favorite Son." Larry P. Lee, Chief Operating Officer of Avara Pharma Services Ltd. and Avara Pharma Technologies, Inc., Norman, Oklahoma, attended as representative for Avara and its affiliate, American Industrial Acquisition Corporation (AIAC), supporters of the Will Rogers Memorial Museum. He greeted Tad Jones, Executive Director of the Will Rogers Memorial Museum and members of the Rogers family.
The solemn ceremony took place at the Will Rogers tomb on the museum grounds, where Rogers and his wife Betty and their children are laid to rest. The centerpiece of the ceremony was a poetic tribute written by AIAC Chairman L. M. Levie, entitled "The Call of Will Rogers," which was recited by Tad Jones, Executive Director of the Will Rogers Memorial Museum.
The poem is found here:
The video is below:
"The poem received rave reviews from attendees," said Jones. "We received numerous compliments on the ceremony, and due to the overwhelmingly positive response, we will be enlarging and displaying Mr. Levie's poem permanently in our Final Journey exhibit for the entire 90th year commemoration," he added.
The formal wreath laying ceremony included a perfectly timed fly-over by volunteer docent and pilot Tom Egbert, which occurred as Taps was played. Following the outdoor ceremony, guests congregated in the museum's large Rotunda for a reception, during which attendees were provided copies of the poetic tribute. An exhibit featuring artifacts from the Alaskan plane crash that caused Will Rogers' untimely death was displayed to mark the occasion.
The memorial ceremony attracted significant media attention, with Fox News filming and interviewing museum officials, and CBS Channel 6 News producing a segment on the event. Larry Lee, accompanied by his wife, greeted Tad Jones and members of the Rogers family.
Will Rogers and pilot Wiley Post were killed in a plane crash on August 15, 1935, in Point Barrow, Alaska. Upon hearing the news, then-president Franklin Roosevelt said, "I was shocked to hear of the tragedy which has taken Will Rogers and Wiley Post from us. Will was an old friend of mine, a humorist and philosopher beloved by all."
AIAC and Avara Chairman, L. M. Levie stated:
"I am profoundly grateful to Tad Jones for his beautiful recital of my poem The Call of Will Rogers during today's wreath laying ceremony and his decision to enlarge and showcase the poem in a place of honor within the museum.
I am equally thankful to my dear friend Jennifer Rogers-Etcheverry, Will Rogers' great-granddaughter, whose unwavering optimism and genuine warmth have been a source of inspiration. I extend my deepest sympathies to Jennifer and the entire Rogers family for the devastating loss of Will Roger’s beloved ranch home and museum in Pacific Palisades, California to the recent wildfires. The destruction of this treasured sanctuary, with the very rooms where Will once lived and laughed, represents a profound loss not just for the family, but for all who cherish his legacy. This tragic fire makes the Will Rogers Memorial Museum here in Claremore, Oklahoma all the more precious and vital in preserving Will's memory and continuing its mission to educate and inspire.
Will Rogers embodied timeless values that resonate as powerfully today as they did nearly a century ago—his commitment to honesty and fair dealing, the value and dignity of work, the healing power of good humor, and the sacred bonds of friendship. It is a privilege to serve as Ambassador for the Will Rogers Memorial Museum, a remarkable institution which ensures that Will's wit, wisdom and generosity continue to illuminate hearts and minds for generations to come."
Mr. Levie is Ambassador of the Will Rogers Memorial Museum, Donor to the Will Rogers Institute, and Trustee and Poet Laureate of the Explorers Club.
For further information, please see:
https://www.okhistory.org/calendar/event/wreath-laying-and-flyover/
https://www.okhistory.org/sites/wrtour
About Will Rogers
Will Rogers (1879-1935) was born William Penn Adair Rogers near Oologah, Oklahoma, and became one of America's most beloved entertainers and social commentators. Known for his homespun humor, political wit, and Cherokee heritage, Rogers earned the nickname "Oklahoma's Favorite Son" and "The Cherokee Kid."
Rogers began his career as a vaudeville performer, showcasing his rope tricks and folksy humor before transitioning to Broadway, silent films, and eventually "talkies." He starred in more than 70 films and wrote over 4,000 syndicated newspaper columns that were read by millions of Americans. His famous philosophy, "I never met a man I didn't like," reflected his genuine warmth and ability to find common ground with people from all walks of life.
Beyond entertainment, Rogers was a passionate advocate for aviation, a philanthropist who raised funds for disaster relief, and an informal diplomat who traveled the world. His commentary on politics and social issues, delivered with humor and without malice, made complex topics accessible to ordinary Americans. Rogers' influence extended far beyond entertainment—he helped shape American popular culture and political discourse during the 1920s and 1930s.
His life was tragically cut short on August 15, 1935, when the experimental aircraft he was traveling in with aviator Wiley Post crashed near Point Barrow, Alaska. Millions of Americans mourned the death of Will Rogers, and his legacy is still remembered today.
For further information, please see:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Will_Rogers
About Jennifer Rogers-Etcheverry
Jennifer Rogers-Etcheverry is Will Rogers' great-granddaughter and serves as the family spokesperson and a passionate guardian of her great-grandfather's enduring legacy. Born into a family deeply committed to preserving Will Rogers' memory and values, Jennifer has dedicated much of her life to ensuring that his wit, wisdom, and humanitarian spirit continue to inspire future generations.
As an active member of the Rogers family, Jennifer serves on the boards of multiple Will Rogers foundations, including the Will Rogers Ranch Foundation and the Will Rogers Memorial Foundation, where she plays a crucial role in strategic planning and preservation efforts. Her involvement extends beyond ceremonial duties—she works closely with museum staff, historians, and researchers to maintain the authenticity and accessibility of Will Rogers' extensive archives and collections.
Jennifer's commitment to her great-grandfather's legacy is evident in her regular participation in commemorative events, educational programs, and media interviews where she shares personal family stories and insights that bring Will Rogers' character to life for contemporary audiences. She has been instrumental in developing educational initiatives that introduce Will Rogers' philosophy and humor to young people, ensuring his timeless messages of tolerance, common sense, and finding humor in life's challenges remain relevant.
Her deep knowledge of family history and her great-grandfather's impact on American culture makes her a sought-after speaker at historical societies, universities, and cultural events across the country. Jennifer's efforts help bridge the gap between Will Rogers' era and today's world, demonstrating how his observations about human nature, politics, and social issues remain remarkably applicable to contemporary discussions.
Through her work with the foundations and her participation in events like the annual wreath-laying ceremony, Jennifer Rogers-Etcheverry continues the family tradition of keeping Will Rogers' memory alive while adapting his message for new generations. Her dedication ensures that Oklahoma's Favorite Son's legacy of bringing people together through humor and understanding will endure for years to come.
About the Will Rogers Memorial Museum
The Will Rogers Memorial Museum stands as a testament to the life and legacy of America's beloved humorist and philosopher. Located in Claremore, Oklahoma, on land that Rogers himself purchased in 1911 as the site for his planned retirement home, the museum overlooks the Tiawah Valley and offers a panoramic view of Rogers State University and the surrounding countryside.
Construction of the original 15,000-square-foot limestone building began on April 21, 1938, with Will's sister, Sallie Rogers McSpadden, turning the first spadeful of dirt. The museum was completed and dedicated on November 4, 1938—what would have been Rogers' 59th birthday—just three years after his death. President Franklin Roosevelt participated in the dedication ceremony via radio, delivering a touching tribute to Will and the new memorial that was broadcast across the nation.
In 1983, an 11,000-square-foot addition nearly doubled the museum's space, adding a theater, expanded gift shop, offices, archives, and more spacious galleries for displaying collections organized around the various aspects of Rogers' life and career. The museum's rotunda features a famous sculpture of Will Rogers by renowned artist Jo Davidson, with its pedestal inscribed with Rogers' most famous quotation: "I never met a man I didn't like."
The museum houses an extensive collection of over 18,000 photographs, thousands of original manuscripts, private letters, contracts, personal papers, motion pictures, home movies, and audio recordings. The research library contains more than 2,000 volumes covering Will Rogers and related topics including Native American history, genealogy, vaudeville, early motion pictures, and the history of the 1879-1935 era.
Originally managed by the Will Rogers Memorial Commission, the museum was transferred to the Oklahoma Historical Society in March 2016, ensuring its continued preservation and operation. The Rogers family tomb, located on the museum grounds, serves as the final resting place for Will and Betty Rogers, along with three of their four children and other family members.
For further information, please see:
https://www.okhistory.org/sites/wrtour
About American Industrial Acquisition Corporation
American Industrial Acquisition Corporation (AIAC) is a diversified industrial group with manufacturing and distribution sites in 24 countries in North America, Europe, Africa, Asia, and Australia-New Zealand. AIAC has acquired and grown non-core subsidiaries and divisions of Boeing, Siemens, Lockheed Martin, Northrop Grumman, Raytheon, Johnson Controls, Merck, Pfizer, Astellas, Visteon, Carlyle, Ahlstrom, Tolko, Groupe Suez, Groupe Rexel, and many other leading multinational corporations.
AIAC companies serve companies and governmental entities worldwide in all major sectors, including aviation, space, defense, automotive, truck, rail, marine, petrochemical, solar, nuclear, food, confectionary, beverage, civil engineering and infrastructure, commercial construction, mining, dredging, disaster relief, education, medical devices, and pharmaceuticals. In addition, AIAC companies are exclusive, authorized distributors of leading branded industrial and consumer products and serve as critical suppliers for the construction of major airports, schools, hospitals, performing arts and sports centers, offices and hotels throughout Southeast Asia, Australia, and New Zealand. AIAC is a leading manufacturer of building, street, and highway signage in Europe, signage and illumination structures in North America, and a distributor of electrical products throughout France.
Of note, AIAC purchased Boeing Canada in 2005 and has produced over 10,000 unique components for every Boeing jet plane ever since, reliably serving Boeing from manufacturing facilities in North America. A leader in ultra-high precision jet engine component manufacturing, AIAC companies produce 2,200 fan blades for each jet engine produced by GE, Pratt & Whitney, Rolls Royce, and Honeywell.
AIAC companies actively support exploration into outer space, manufacturing critical components for launching and propelling spacecraft and satellites. AIAC customers in this sector include NASA, the European Space Agency, SpaceX, Blue Origin, and Boeing. AIAC companies also lead in the design and manufacture of undersea umbilical cables for worldwide oceanographic research.
AIAC companies produce the critical automotive wire and cable for Tesla, GM, Ford, Chrysler-Fiat, Toyota, and Nissan. In connection with its kraft paper manufacturing interests in Canada and the US, AIAC controls and sustainably manages 22 million acres of Manitoba, Canada forestland, an area equivalent in size to the nation of Hungary. AIAC affiliate, Metallwarenfabrik Gemmingen GmbH, located in Germany, designs, manufactures and distributes high performance, emergency portable power generators utilized in global conflict zones and during natural disasters.
For further information, please see:
About AIAC Philanthropy
AIAC and the AIAC Foundation support a wide range of nonprofit, nonsectarian, bipartisan organizations which promote international conflict resolution, disaster relief, economic development, environmental sustainability, exploration, and the performing arts. The exploration-focused nonprofit organizations which they actively support include the Explorers Club, the National Geographic Society, the Royal Geographical Society, the American Museum of Natural History and the Hayden Planetarium, the Victoria & Albert Museum, the National Air and Space Museum, the National Space Society, and the United States Space Foundation.
AIAC’s other beneficiaries include the Appeal of the Nobel Peace Laureates Foundation Inc., the Asia Society, the Atlantic Council, the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation - Gates Philanthropy Partners, the Bretton Woods Committee, the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, the Carter Center, the Council on Foreign Relations, the Economic Club of New York, the Foreign Policy Association, the Institut Française des Relations Internationales, the International Committee of the Red Cross, the International Crisis Group, the International Rescue Committee, the Japan Society, the JFK School of Government of Harvard University, the Peterson Institute for International Economics, the Richardson Center for Global Engagement, the Royal Institute of International Affairs (Chatham House), the Sierra Club, the Trilateral Commission, and the Yale Chief Executive Leadership Institute.
For further information, please see:
https://www.aiac.com/our-values
Media Contact:
Isabel Carro-Toro, Vice President
American Industrial Acquisition Corporation
+34 689 295 827 (Spain)
+ 1 787 244 3175 (USA)
icarro-toro@aiac.com