Senate Resolution No. 34 BY: Senator GRIFFO COMMEMORATING the 245th Anniversary of the Battle of Oriskany on August 6, 2022 WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to recognize and commemorate events which evoke the historical, social and cultural development of this great State, and pay tribute to the memory of individuals of remarkable courage and strength of character, whose purposeful lives embodied the spirit of the principles upon which this Nation was founded; and WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern and in full accord with its long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to commemorate the 245th Anniversary of the Battle of Oriskany; this momentous occasion will be held on Saturday, August 6, 2022, and includes a re-enactment of the militia march, a musket salute in memory of the fallen, and a presentation of wreaths and ceremonial offerings, as well as guest speakers; and WHEREAS, Considered to be a significant turning point in the Revolutionary War, the Battle of Oriskany, fought on August 6, 1777, has been described as one of its bloodiest battles; and WHEREAS, While the British were attacking Fort Stanwix in August of 1777, Brigadier General Nicholas Herkimer assembled 800 militiamen, supported by 60 allied Oneida warriors, and marched from Fort Dayton to aid against the siege; and WHEREAS, Upon hearing of Herkimer's advance, British and Loyalist troops under Sir John Johnson and Colonel John Butler, and Native American forces led by Mohawk Joseph Brant, ambushed the American troops in a ravine west of Oriskany Creek; and WHEREAS, The patriots fought in brutal hand-to-hand combat, and despite heavy losses, caused their opponents to retreat; General Herkimer received a wound to his leg which led to his death 10 days later; and WHEREAS, The Oneidas were the only Haudenosaunee nation to side with the Americans and it is that famous battle that cemented their legacy as America's First Allies; and WHEREAS, A monument was dedicated on August 6, 1884, to serve as a memorial to those who fought so bravely and tenaciously to preserve freedom; and WHEREAS, Furthermore, Oriskany Battlefield was designated a New York State Historic Site in 1927; in recognition of the site's exceptional historic value, the battlefield was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1963; and WHEREAS, As our State and Nation observe this 245th Anniversary, we reflect with solemn reverence upon the valor of a generation that served with honor, and pay tribute to the selfless and courageous militiamen for their tremendous sacrifices made for our Nation and for the benefit of all Americans; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to commemorate the 245th Anniversary of the Battle of Oriskany on August 6, 2022; and be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to Oriskany Battlefield State Historic Site, Oriskany, New York.