Unveiling Of New Revolutionary War Markers
Amy Modesti
Saturday afternoon at the Stephentown Veterans Memorial Park was beautiful and warm. With the sun illuminating the sky, guests gathered to celebrate the unveiling of six new American Revolutionary War markers honoring Stephentown veterans that fought so hard for liberty, freedom and justice.
Saturday’s ceremony featured John DeFreest Jr. (President of the Veterans of the Stephentown Area), an opening prayer by Reverend John Close, the National Anthem and “America The Beautiful” sung by Town Supervisor Larry Eckhardt and Rebecca Sweet, remarks by local officials Assemblyman Jake Ashby, Rensselaer County Executive Steve McLaughlin, Veterans Service Agency Director Peter Goebel, County Legislators Bruce Patire and Jeff Wysocki, Patricia Flint (Stephentown Historian), a second prayer given by Kathy Keenan, Duane Booth, and closing remarks by Dennis Burek, Rensselaer County Historical Society historian, Kathy Sheehan, was also mentioned in the event briefing.
Along with the speeches came the presentation of the colors and memorial wreaths by the Stephentown Veterans, Seniors, and the Ft. Crailo Daughters of the American Revolution. This year, the ceremonies also honored three local veterans who developed the Stephentown Veterans Organization and brought the memorial park to fruition: Tom McVeigh, Frank Bailey, and former Senate Majority Leader Joe Bruno. The battle cannon was blasted to signal their passing, taps were performed on trumpet by Navy veteran Brad Allen, and flags were raised by members of the Stephentown veterans organization
Sixteen Stephentown Revolutionary War patriots were recognized for their service and honored with a historical marker placed at their cemeteries. The veterans are buried at Brockway (Justus Brockway and Simeon Gardner), at Denison-Jones (Stephen Arnold, Daniel Denison, Jr., James Denison, and James Jones), at Garfield (Israel Platt and John Wylie), in Presbyterian (Elisha Egleston, Beriah Holcomb, Hosea Moffitt), also Stephentown (Daniel Brown, Asa Douglas, Sr., William Douglas, and Abel Tanner), and Stephentown Center (Oliver Barrett).
Without these Revolutionary Soldiers serving our country, there would be no United States of America. There would be no freedom, justice, or independence. Legislator Bruce Patire made mention to the crowd of the current election that recently took place between President Donald Trump, and now President-elect Joe Biden, and imagined the reaction that the Revolutionary war soldiers would have of today’s circumstances. Mr. Patire believed they would find it amazing. These soldiers had to fight and kill to run their country. These soldiers, in today’s time, would have been happy to have the choice to make things better. These are the true heroes who sacrificed their lives to give our citizens a reason and purpose and lead this country to the point that today we live free and independent. Congratulations to the Town of Stephentown for the acquiring of the six historical markers and for recognizing the Revolutionary War soldiers for their extraordinary service to their town and country. Happy Veterans Day to all veterans who served the USA.