For immediate release

 

(May 17, 2016) Youngstown, N.Y. - Old Fort Niagara's corps of staff, re-enactors and volunteers will present its annual "Soldiers Through the Ages" event on May 28 and 29, which highlights the soldiers, uniforms, weapons and vehicles of the fort's military history across four centuries. Visitors to this Registered National Historic Landmark will interact with knowledgeable and approachable re-enactors representing French, Native, British and American soldiers and will learn about the evolution of weaponry, tactics, vehicles and clothing.

 

"Memorial Day weekend is an ideal time to recall our country's military history, celebrate the veterans who defend and protect our country, and remember those who gave their lives," said Robert Emerson, Executive Director of Old Fort Niagara. "Our 'Soldiers through the Ages' event pays tribute to these brave people and presents a living, interactive military history museum for the public to learn from and enjoy."

 

The schedule of events for Saturday and Sunday is as follows:

 

Ongoing        Special displays of military vehicles, tents, equipment and rations

10:00 a.m.     Military Parade and Colors Ceremony - Watch re-enactors assemble and parade across the fort's lawn and present their colors (flags).

10:30 a.m.     Musket Demonstration - Fort staff will educate visitors about the musket, including how it is loaded and fired.

11:30 a.m.     Weapons and Tactics of the 17^th Through 20^th Centuries - See how weapons and tactics changed during the fort's history, including Native weaponry, the 17^th century matchlock through the infantry weapons of World War II.

12:00 p.m.     Artillery Demonstration - Fort staff will fire an 18^th century cannon.

1:00 p.m.       Uniform Program - Learn about military fashion from 17^th century Europe through the Vietnam War.

1:30 p.m.       Musket Demonstration - Fort staff will educate visitors about the musket, including how it is loaded and fired.

2:00 p.m.       Military Music - Listen to the melodic and structured music of the fifes and drums.

2:30 p.m.       Huey Helicopter Demonstration presented by VFW Post 313

3:30 p.m.       Weapons and Tactics of the 17^th Through 20^th Centuries - See how weapons and tactics changed during the fort's history, including Native weaponry, the 17^th century matchlock through the infantry weapons of World War II.

4:30 p.m.       Military Music and Retreat - Listen to the melodic and structured music of the fifes and drums as the day's programming concludes.

 

Happening simultaneously in the state park will be the arrival of two Bell UH-1 Iroquois helicopters, known as "Hueys," which is being coordinated by VFW Lake Ontario Post 313 and American Huey 369. The VFW is currently raising money to bring the Hueys' exhibit to Fort Niagara State Park for the education and benefit of Vietnam veterans and the public. More information is available at www.gofundme.com/americanhuey369.

 

On Memorial Day, Monday, May 30, at 11:00 a.m., the VFW Lake Ontario Post 313 will hold a special memorial service at the historic Fort Niagara Cemetery. The public is invited and encouraged to attend.

 

Regular admission to the fort is $12 per adult, $8 per child ages 6-12, free for children 5 and under, and free to members of Old Fort Niagara.

 

Old Fort Niagara's upcoming events include:

 

Sat. & Sun., June 11-12 RE-ENACTMENT Civil War Garrison Weekend

Sat.-Mon., July 2-4 RE-ENACTMENT French & Indian War Encampment

July 6-August 12 DAILY SUMMER PROGRAM Featuring American Revolution Era at the Fort

July 9-Oct. 10 (12pm-3pm) Lighthouse Open to the Public

Sat., July 23 PERFORMANCE Plymouth Fife and Drum Corps

Sun., July 31 PERFORMANCE Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra

 

Old Fort Niagara (www.oldfortniagara.org) is located in Fort Niagara State Park in Youngstown, N.Y., which is 14 miles north of Niagara Falls via the Robert Moses Parkway North. The fort is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. through June and from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. in July and August. Admissions end 30 minutes before closing. Old Fort Niagara is a Registered National Historic Landmark and New York State Historic Site operated by the Old Fort Niagara Association (a not-for-profit organization) in cooperation with the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.