2 weeks ago, I was part of an honor guard at the Herkimer Home State Historic Site. I had worked there a few years ago and volunteered off/on for a few years. Gen. Nicholas Herkimer was commander of Patriot (or Rebel, depending on your PoV) militia at the Battle of Oriskany in 1777. The battle started a civil war here in central NY State. He received a wound to the leg, which was later amputated. He died of his injuries about 10 days after the battle.
Every August there is a wreath-laying on the grave of General Herkimer, around the time of his death. This year also commemorated the 100th anniversary of the site becoming a NY State historic site.
We marched out to the cemetery, lined up on the hill and waited as some opening words were said. First, the various chapters of the SAR/DAR went and laid their wreaths. Then we noticed, as the Masonic War Veterans rep started walking over, a mature Bald Eagle circled above the grave. It continued to do so, until the vet got back to his spot and then with one final turn, flew off into the distance.
We fired off a volley in honor of the General and all marched back.
Whether you are a Loyalist or Patriot re-enactor, a member of the UEL or SAR/DAR, a Christian or an atheist, you'd have to admit, that was one of the coolest things in the world...
