On Saturday, August 27,2022 members of the Cincinnati Chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution (CCSAR) joined other SAR members who gathered at the Old Stone House located in Washington Park at 336 Third Street, Brooklyn, NY.
Artist rendering of the Old Stone House
The Battle of Long Island or Battle of Brooklyn (August 27, 1776). Withdrawal of Continental Army led by George Washington
Color guard members preparing to post the Colors at the Old Stone Hours – site of the Battle of Brooklyn
They assembled to commemorate the 256th anniversary of the Battle of Brooklyn the first battle between the United States with Britain after the Declaration of Independence and the largest battle of the Revolutionary War.
Color Guard Participants
Celebrants included 14 members of SAR Color Guards, two reenactors and about 100 others some from other organizations and many U.S. citizens.
A generous grant from the local Brooklyn Society of Cincinnati of Maryland (an organization started by President George Washington) was coordinated by Kimberly Maier, Executive Director of the Old Stone House & Washington Park to fund the event.
Map of the Battle of Brooklyn aka Long Island
Cincinnati SAR members were John H. Bredenfoerder, Ohio Society SAR President and his wife Lauri, Ladies Auxiliary – Ohio – SAR President; Michael Gunn, Past Cincinnati SAR President and his wife Carole.
From the left: Ohio SAR participants – Laurie & Jack Bredenfoerder; Bob Hill from Hocking Valley Chapter SAR and Mike & Carole Gunn
They were joined by Ohio SAR Color Guard Commander Bob Hill from the Hocking Valley Chapter SAR and 12 other SAR members from NY, New Jersey, Maryland and Virginia.
Color Guard Members at Attention
All Participated in a two hour Memorial Ceremony of the Battle of Brooklyn and the Commemoration of the sacrifices of the ‘Maryland 400’ with verbal greetings from several dignitaries. The posting of Colors was led by a George Washington portray-er, NSSAR Color Guard Adjutant Robert Meyer and Peter Davenport – Vice President General – Virginia Society.
Michael Gunn, Cincinnati SAR by the flags commemorating the Maryland 400
Several wreaths were laid at the foot of our national colors after the names of the 400 were read out loud, Jack Bredenfoerder and the other Ohio participants each placed a wreath. This was followed by a three round musket salute by Bob Hill & Mike Gunn and two reenactors from NY.
Musket Salute – Firelocks Fire!
The Color Guard members honored the patriots by executing the “Mourn Position” during the playing of Taps. This ended the ceremonial portion of the events.
Color Guard members execute the Mourn position, honoring fallen Patriots
Question: How many people can claim to have fired three rounds from a revolutionary era weapon legally in modern day New York City?
Answer: Not many, four that we know of!
