New memorial honors fallen 18th-century war heroes

Ajouté : 2026-05-27

[00:00:00]Today the remains of 44 people believed to be associated with the Continental Army have officially been laid to rest in a new memorial in the village of Lake George. The remains were discovered in 2019 during a construction project on Courtland Street in Lake George. CBS 6's Quinn Alexander reports now from the village with more on today's ceremony.

[00:00:20]It was the duty 250 years ago to take up arms for the birth of this great nation.

[00:00:28]And it is our duty today to bear witness, to lay these American heroes to rest.

[00:00:40]44 soldiers who died in 1776 forever memorialized at Lake George Battlefield Park. Mayor Ray Perry says these patriots likely lost their lives at the Continental Army smallpox hospital. Although the identities of those uncovered at Courtland Street are unknown, several uniform buttons were found um indicative of uh Pennsylvania regiment petty coat buttons.

[00:01:12]New York State Deputy Secretary of State Kisha Santiago says it took more than 7 years to complete the repose of the fallen project, but emphasized its importance saying by honoring the past it allows new generations a space to learn about the sacrifices made throughout history. To be in a location like this and recognize how large the world is, how big the sacrifices have been made well before us to get us to live in the beautiful country that we do, um is just an incredibly meaningful and important part. Lake George was a pivotal location in the fight for independence. New York Army National Guard Chaplain Major Robert Folk says many remains have yet to be found, but today's reinterment serves as a promise that the search will continue. We recognize that as we found these 44, there are still many who have not been found. So, we never give up the search for them. We never give up the duty that we have to honor them and their memory.

[00:02:07]I'm told the remains of at least a thousand soldiers are still undiscovered here in Lake George, but when they are inevitably found, there will be a space for them right here to be laid to rest with their fellow soldiers. Reporting at Lake George Battlefield Park, Quinn Alexander, CBS 6 News.