On Saturday, May 9, the Long Island Chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution held a Gravestone Unveiling and Wreath Laying at St. George’s Episcopal Church Cemetery in Astoria. Two local Astoria patriots were honored: Jacob Blackwell, Colonel in the Queens County Militia, Revolutionary War, and his descendant Henry Blackwell, Lieutenant NY Infantry Union Army, US Civil War. The Jacob Blackwell headstone is brand new since it was recently discovered that he was interred next to Henry Blackwell.
Photos Courtesy of Walter Karling
Scanned copy of the 4-page official program. First image shows the back and front covers of the program. The second image shows the inside pages.
The Jacob and Henry Blackwell headstones seen with American flags implanted in the ground. (The brown building on the right is the Gloria D’Amico Senior Residence which overlooks the church cemetery.)
Students from John Bowne High School’s Air Force ROTC presented the colors.
The Rev. Spencer Cantrell, the Pastor of St. George’s Episcopal Church, gave the Invocation and Blessing.
Panoramic view of the proceedings. Wreaths at bottom right were laid on the Blackwell headstones seen in the upper left.
Bob Singleton of the Greater Astoria Historical Society provided biographical information on the Blackwell lives.
Rifle salute by the 14th Brooklyn New York State Militia, a Civil War reenactment organization. (www.14thbrooklyn.us/about)
“Taps” at event conclusion.
Sons of the American Revolution officers who placed the wreaths on the Blackwell headstones: (L. to r.): Bryan Irrgang, President of the Long Island Chapter; Chloe Pollack, President of the New York State Children of the American Revolution, New York State Society; and Gary Lane, Vice-President of the Battle of Brooklyn Chapter.
Dignitaries pose for an official commemorative photo.
Close-up views of the Blackwell headstones with the wreaths.