FRANKLIN - About 100 residents, veterans, students and elected officials gathered Friday, July 3, to dedicate a new memorial honoring Revolutionary War soldiers buried in Franklin during a ceremony marking the nation’s 250th anniversary.
Hosted by the Franklin Railroad and Community Museum, the roughly 50-minute ceremony took place in the village park and featured the unveiling of the memorial, patriotic remarks, an invocation by Pastor Phil Van Saun and a 21-gun salute presented jointly by members of the local American Legion honor guard and the Treadwell militia.
Museum representative John Campbell welcomed attendees before remarks from Mayor Johanna VanDeusen, Supervisor Donald Smith, Peter Oberacker, Franklin Central School Principal Michael Ames, Franklin Central School history teacher J.J. Laing, representatives of the Daughters of the American Revolution and other local speakers.
The dedication recognized the service and sacrifice of Revolutionary War veterans laid to rest in Franklin while reflecting on the community’s role in preserving local history as the country commemorates the 250th anniversary of American independence.
Following the ceremony, attendees gathered for a community picnic reception at the Franklin Fire Department.
