LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring the Four Unknown American Soldiers from
the Battle of Lake George in 1755, during the early years of the French
and Indian War

WHEREAS, The State of New York has played a significant role throughout
the early history of our country as it moved on its path to become the
United States of America; and
WHEREAS, The American Revolution was fought by colonists, many of whom
learned their military skills while fighting in the French and Indian
War; and
WHEREAS, In 1755, American colonists, under General W. Johnson and
Native Americans under King Hendrick, fought and won the Battle of Lake
George against seasoned, trained French soldiers under Baron Dieskau,
the only battle won on the British side during that year; only one Brit-
ish soldier, who survived the battle, was present with these colonists;
and
WHEREAS, These American colonists were not trained soldiers, but farm-
ers, workers, businessmen, and professionals who were fighting in the
best spirit of America to preserve their homes and families; and
WHEREAS, Over 140 Americans died during the Bloody Morning Scout, the
first skirmish of this battle, and were buried where they died on the
Military Road; and
WHEREAS, In the 1930s, the remains of four of these American soldiers
were found in 1931 during road construction and were subsequently,
reburied in 1935, in the Lake George Battlefield Park as the Four
Unknown Soldiers of the Battle of Lake George; and
WHEREAS, These four valiant soldiers represent all those American
colonists who died and are buried in unknown graves as a result of this
battle during the French and Indian War; and
WHEREAS, These soldiers are the earliest in the long tradition of
Americans who left their homes and families to become soldiers to defend
this country and gave the ultimate sacrifice in this endeavor; now,
therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor the Four Unknown American Soldiers from the Battle of Lake George
in 1755, during the early years of the French and Indian War; and be it
further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to the Lake George Battlefield Park Alliance.