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.