Assemblyman Billy Jones (D-Chateaugay Lake) announced that a bill he co-sponsored that would create a 250th Commemoration Commission to plan and develop the celebration of the American Revolution in New York passed the Assembly unanimously last week and passed the Senate earlier in January. New York played a pivotal part in the Revolutionary War including events such as the Battle of Saratoga and the Battle of Valcour. This bill outlines the members, duties, and functions of this commission that will help municipalities across New York plan events to commemorate this important anniversary.

“There is so much history here in the North Country and New York State,” said Assemblyman Jones, “and we need to start planning for the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution that starts in 2026 immediately so that we can develop and promote events in celebration of this important part of our nation’s history. I am proud to co-sponsor this bill that will help municipalities, museums, and historical associations celebrate this anniversary by providing important resources and grant funding for special events. History happened right in our backyard and this commission will go a long way in helping our region tell this story and supporting projects like the Battlefield Memorial Gateway. Time is of the essence and the Governor needs to act on this bill.”

“I commend Assemblyman Jones for his leadership in the creation of the 250th Commemoration Commission and I join him in calling for Governor Hochul's timely approval of this vital legislation,” said T.R. Mandeville, Professor of History at Clinton Community College. “The Champlain Valley and the North Country are centerpieces of Revolutionary War history, from Benedict Arnold and Ethan Allen's capture of Fort Ticonderoga on May 10, 1775 to the construction of the First American Navy at Skenesborough (Whitehall) July -September 1776 and their engagement with the British on October 11-13, 1776 during the Battle of Valcour, and the engagements with General Burgoyne and the invading British Army from June of 1777 that led to the ultimate turning point of the Revolutionary War in the Battles of Saratoga on September 19 and October 7, 1777.”

“We are a community that celebrates American history, as ours is one that is inextricably linked to the birth of our nation,” said Michael S. Cashman, Plattsburgh Town Supervisor. “Pivotal military engagements in the battle for our independence were fought on the waters of Lake Champlain, visible from shores of Plattsburgh. We have sought to honor this rich history the development of the commemorative waterfront area known as the Battlefields Memorial Gateway. In view of the battlefield where our independence was affirmed, we celebrate the birth of our nation and those who made is possible along with those who continue to protect it. The timing is fortuitous that as we develop and open to the public this place of commemoration, we will be also be celebrating the 250th anniversary of our Country. We applaud and support the creation of the New York State 250th commemoration commission for the American Revolution. The Town of Plattsburgh joins New York State in celebrating our 250th anniversary and promoting our rich history.”