Florida Governor Ron DeSantis unveiled a statue of former President Calvin Coolidge Wednesday as part of America’s 250th anniversary celebrations.

In his statement, DeSantis highlighted Coolidge’s role in shaping civic tradition and culture: “As America marks its 250th anniversary, Florida continues to honor influential figures who shaped our nation’s history and civic tradition.” He noted that Coolidge dedicated Bok Tower Gardens in Lake Wales during one of his last public appearances as president.

DeSantis described Coolidge as a constitutionalist who eliminated debt, balanced the budget, reduced taxes, and promoted unified American civic values. The governor emphasized Coolidge’s alignment with foundational principles: “I think if the founding fathers looked over the last hundred years, I think Coolidge would be most of their favorite president for how he was dedicated to limited government and the Constitution.”

The statue unveiling occurred at Bok Tower Gardens—the site where Coolidge delivered the dedication address in 1929. DeSantis has unveiled six statues statewide under the America 250 Initiative, including monuments to former presidents James Monroe and Ronald Reagan.

Coolidge, a Republican from Vermont who served as president from 1923 to 1929, signed the Indian Citizenship Act of 1924 granting U.S. citizenship to Native Americans and established the U.S. Border Patrol during his administration. DeSantis was joined by Secretary of State Cord Byrd and other national leaders for the ceremony.