On October 17^th, 2014, the Saratoga Battle Chapter, SAR participated in the annual surrender day ceremonies at Fort Hardy Park in Schuylerville, New York. The event is sponsored by the Town of Saratoga and the Village of Schuylerville. Local historian Bill Reynolds was master of ceremony and Senator Kathy Marchione from the NY 43^rd Senate District was present and addressed the gathering. Also present was Tom Wood, Supervisor of the Town of Saratoga.

From the left; Joe Fitzpatrick, V-P Capital Region, Empire State Society;
Duane Booth, President, Empire State Society;
Tom Dunne, President Saratoga Battle Chapter;
Daniel Franklin, Saratoga Battle Chapter;
John Sheaff, President Walloomsac Battle Chapter
Photo: Thomas Dunne

The event included 5^th graders from Schuylerville Central who sang two songs and for the first time 4^th graders from Salem Central came to witness the reenactment of this historic event. Three of the Schuylerville students read essays they had written about the events leading up to surrender day and/or the people involved. Saratoga National Historical Park Ranger Eric Schnitzer and Town Historian Sean Kelleher recreated British General John Burgoyne sword surrender to American General Horatio Gates. Ranger Schnitzer in speaking to the children emphasized that right in this village and in fact right where they were sitting the turning point of the American Revolution occurred.

Chapter members Mike Companion, Peter Hormell and Mike Skelly were present with other re-enactors from the 2nd Continental Artillery firing their muskets and cannons to the delight of the students. Wreaths honoring all American military were laid by Duane Booth, President, Empire State Society; Joe Fitzpatrick, V-P Capital Region, Empire State Society; Tom Dunne, President Saratoga Battler Chapter; John Sheaff, President Walloomsac Battle Chapter; Pat Festa, Saratoga Battle Chapter and Corinne Scirocco, Saratoga Chapter, NSDAR.

The event is held every year and the students really enjoy themselves, and learn about history right in their own back yard.

After The Wreath Laying
(L-R) Duane Booth, President, Empire State Society; Joe Fitzpatrick, V-P Capital Region, Empire State Society; Mike Skelly and Michael Companion, members of Saratoga Battle Chapter and 2nd Continental; John Sheaff, President Walloomsac Battle Chapter; Brian Companion, 2nd Continental; Peter Hormell member of Saratoga Battle Chapter and 2nd Continental; Tom Dunne President Saratoga Battle Chapter, Daniel Franklin and Pat Festa, Saratoga Battle Chapter
Photo: Thomas Dunne