Shots rang out in Center Moriches Sunday from a brigade of musketeers representing the 3rd New York Regiment in honor of the local heroes who fought in the nation’s war for independence.
Organized by the Sons of the American Revolution Long Island Chapter, the memorial event recognized five Patriots from the area interred at the historic Olde Beachfern Cemetery. These are the soldiers who answered the call of a fledgling nation and fought at the Battle of Long Island, Lexington and other clashes where everyday farmers and countrymen went up against the vaunted British Redcoats.
“Our area is rich in Colonial history and I’m glad that people are taking the time to both recognize and honor those who served our nation at its very founding,” said Brookhaven Supervisor Ed Romaine, a former history teacher who lives near the old cemetery. He was joined by Councilman Dan Panico, another Center Moriches resident who noted, “It is great to live in a reverent and patriotic town and community that honors our history and loves America."
The president of the Long Island SAR Chapter, Bryan Irrgang, conducted the ceremony, which featured the 3rd NY LI 1775 Regiment commanded by Andrew Freleng of Patchogue. He provided a description of how the Patriots loaded and fired their Revolutionary War muskets using gunpowder and flints. His militia was joined by Danielle Little of Melville who turned out in 18th Century Colonial attire.
A Babylon resident who organizes similar ceremonies throughout the year, Irrgang is in the family tree of Capt. Paul Reeve of the Southold Militia. The chapter’s registrar, Richard Rossin of Wading River, is responsible for verifying the lineage of prospective members. His ancestry goes back not to a solider, but a Colonist, John Oliver of Maryland, who supported the revolution through a special tax considered an “Oath of Fidelity.” Another member in attendance was Joseph Vermaelen of Bayport, past president of the Long Island Chapter who’s a descendent of a Connecticut Patriot.
 |
|
Brookhaven Supervisor Ed Romaine, left, helps unveil a sign designating the Olde
Beachfern Cemetery in Center Moriches as a 250th Anniversary Site by the Sons of the American Revolution Long Island Chapter. Assisting is Capt. Wesley Winters of West Hampton and Councilman Dan Panico
|
Also attending the event was Alice Chapman of East Moriches, a Daughters of the American Revolution historian who traces her family roots back to Connecticut Patriots. She pointed out that eastern Suffolk County was not originally settled from New York City eastward, but from north to south by colonists from New England. Other Daughters at the event were Kristine Smith of Bayport, a Vice Regent who not only goes back to Capt. Sherebiah Butts who answered the Lexington Alarm, but also Puritan William Brewster who sailed on the Mayflower. Another DAR member in attendance was Janice Derr from the Queens Village Chapter. The Garden City resident is a descendent of Col. Aaron Ogden.
After the ceremony, the group repaired to the nearby Presbyterian Church of the Moriches where its reverend, Mark Applewhite, traces his heritage to William Gram, who fought at Lexington and Concord, as well as the Battle of Long Island. He serves as the chaplain over all of the Sons chapters on Long Island.
The Olde Beachfern burial grounds, just off Main Street, was designated a 250th Anniversary Site by the Long Island SAR Chapter. The site is maintained by Brookhaven Town with assistance from Boy Scout Troop 221, which also attended the event.