On Memorial Day weekend, Old Fort Niagara hosts its annual Soldiers through the Ages event. This two-day program highlights four centuries of military history through special exhibits and programs. Historical reenactors will set up period camps throughout the fort spanning the 15^th through the 21^st centuries.  Military vehicles from World War Two, Korea and the Vietnam War will be on display.

Visitors to the event will learn about how soldiers’ rations changed over the years. They will also learn about uniforms; from the days of red coats to camouflage; from cocked hats to helmets.

At 3:00 p.m. each day, the fort will present a comparative weapons program, tracing battlefield technology from the 17^th through the 20^th centuries. Visitors will experience firing demonstrations of Matchlock muskets, flintlocks, Civil War rifled muskets and M1 Garand rifles from World War II.

The event, which takes place on Saturday, May 27 and Sunday, May 28, also includes concerts by Old Fort Niagara’s Fifes and Drums and a special display about women in the military from the 18^th through the 21^st centuries.

Most programs at Old Fort Niagara focus on a particular time-period or event from the fort’s long history. Soldiers through the Ages is different because it allows visitors to compare and contrast military life through all of the nation’s conflicts.

Fort Niagara is one of North America’s longest occupied military bases. The French built the first fort on the site in 1679. When the United States Army finally decommissioned the post in 1963, the fort had logged almost 300 years of military service. Even today, the United States Coast Guard maintains a presence at Fort Niagara.

Scheduled Programs include:

10:30 a.m. Colors Ceremony

11:00 a.m. Five Centuries of Military Uniforms

Noon Artillery Firing Demonstration

1:00 p.m. Military Music

2:00 p.m. Women in the Military

3:00 p.m. Military Small Arms through the Ages

4:00 p.m. Musket Firing Demonstration

Ongoing Programs and Displays:

World War II Bivouac, Rations through the Ages, Civil War Camp, War of 1812 Camp, Women in the Military, Military jeeps and trucks, cooking demonstrations.