In coordination with Parks, the Friends of the Ulysses S. Grant Cottage State Historic Site will be hosting a brief ceremony at the site to celebrate Grant's 200th Birthday and promote the opening of the 2022 season. The ceremony will be a tribute to Grant as a military hero and recognize all veterans. The ceremony will be livestreamed on social media. The National Historic Landmark plaque will be inset into a boulder at the base of the flagpole in front of the Cottage prior to the date and unveiled at the event. A new flag will be raised at the Cottage (replica 1885 mourning flag donated by the Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War) and another (donated by NYS Parks) at the Eastern Overlook at the conclusion of the ceremonies. Two local veterans, the Honorable Senator Roy McDonald, and military advocate Ernie Belanger will be speaking. A local Saratoga student will perform the National Anthem at the flag raising.
Ceremony Timeline
(scheduled times are approximate)
- 10:45-11:00am
Guests arrive and are directed to the flagpole area in front of Grant Cottage where seating will be provided. - 11:00-11:10am
Opening remarks by Tim Welch, President of the Friends of the Ulysses S. Grant Cottage - 11:10-11:30am
Remarks by Ernie Belanger (local veteran advocate) and Roy McDonald (Friends Board Trustee and veteran); Unveiling of the plaque - 11:30-11:45am
Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War Flag Ceremony (Taps performed by Ernie Belanger); Singing of the National Anthem by Stella Delgado; Remarks by NYS Parks Official - 11:45am-12:00pm
End of main ceremony; Press photo opportunities; Invitation to the overlook for flag raising
