PHOTOS: Battle of Brooklyn commemoration another triumph

It was another triumphant day for the history books in Brooklyn.

The 241st anniversary of the historic Battle of Brooklyn was marked with ceremonies and reenactments, on Sunday, August 27, courtesy of the Green-Wood Historic Fund at Green-Wood Cemetery, where portions of the encounter originally occurred.

The storied tradition had thousands of attendees participate in popular activities and events to mark the anniversary of the largest battle of the Revolutionary War, such as a parade of flags, various family-friendly events and a ceremony honoring the fallen.

“Green-Wood is honored to pay tribute to the heroic soldiers who paved way for the birth of our nation,” said Richard Moylan, president of Green-Wood, during Sunday’s events. “As we gather here today as a community, we remember the important sacrifices made right here for our freedom.”

The day’s activities featured a trolley tour of historically noteworthy sites led by Green-Wood historian Jeff Richman and independent historian Barnet Schecter.

“I always love doing this tour,” said Richman. “It’s a highlight for me to get out onto the same hill where George Washington rode out on his horse to see what was going on and found out the British were about to attack.”

Other highlights of the day were a weapons demonstration, drills by period reenactors on horseback and the appearance of costumed personalities, such as George Washington and Benjamin Franklin, who walked the grounds, as well as the preparation of 18th-century soldiers’ fare.

Afterwards, a parade led by the Merchant Marine Academy Band marched to the top of Battle Hill, where the memorial ceremony began.

“The reproduction flags of the Revolutionary War are another highlight and just seeing horses galloping around at the entrance to the cemetery is a wonderful thing,” said Richman.

“The reenactors that participate in the program really enjoy what they do. They’re generous with their information and want to engage in communicating what life was like in the 18th century, for men and women, the roles that everyone had at the time,” added Executive Director of the Old Stone House Kim Maier.

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