On an initially foggy morning of October 17^th, 2016, the Saratoga Battle Chapter, SAR participated in the annual surrender day ceremonies at Fort Hardy Park in Schuylerville, New York. This annual event is sponsored by the Town of Saratoga and the Village of Schuylerville. Local historian Bill Reynolds was master of ceremony. Assemblywoman Carrie Woerner and Saratoga National Historical Park Superintendent Amy Bracewell both addressed the gathering. Also present were Schuylerville Mayor John Sherman and Mike McLoughlin, Deputy Supervisor Town of Saratoga.

L to R front row: Walloomsac Battle President John Sheaf, Mike McLoughlin, Deputy Supervisor Town of Saratoga, Schuylerville Mayor John Sherman, Saratoga National Historical Park Superintendent Amy Bracewell, Assemblywoman Carrie Woerner back row: Empire State SAR President Duane Booth, Saratoga Battle Chapter SAR President Douglas Gallant, Saratoga Chapter DAR Regent Heather Mabee at podium: Bill Reynolds

The event included 5^th graders from Schuylerville Central and 4^th graders from Salem Central who came to witness the reenactment of this historic event. Two of the Schuylerville students read essays they had written about the events leading up to surrender day and/or the people involved. Saratoga National Historical Park Ranger Eric Schnitzer and Town Historian Sean Kelleher recreated British General John Burgoyne sword surrender to American General Horatio Gates. Ranger Schnitzer had a group of students demonstrate "grounding their arms" as the British soldiers would have done.

Students grounding their arms at the direction of Saratoga Park Ranger Eric Schnitzer

British General Burgoyne (Park Ranger Eric Schnitzer) surrendering to Continental General Gates (Sean Kelleher, the Saratoga Town Historian)

Wreaths honoring all American military were laid by John Sheaff, President Walloomsac Battle Chapter; Douglas Gallant, President Saratoga Battler Chapter; Heather Mabee, Regent Saratoga Chapter, NSDAR; and Duane Booth, President, Empire State Society)

Chapter members Mike Companion, Peter Hormell and Mike Skelly were present with other re-enactors from the 2nd Continental Artillery firing a cannon to the delight of the students. One group of students was even treated to a formal demonstration where each step of the firing sequence was explained and executed - including Fire!

L to R: Bradley Allen, Pete Hormell, Mike Companion, Al Bartlett, Mary Skelly, Mike Skelly

The event is held every year on October 17^th and the students really enjoy themselves, and learn about history right in their own back yard.