WYOMING — The field before the Wyoming Monument overflowed on a sunbathed Saturday with those seeking to memorialize the Battle of Wyoming on its 248th anniversary, kicking off their celebration of the Fourth of July – and America’s semiquincentennial.
“For it being the 250th anniversary, we really wanted to come and learn a little more about the history of our community.” said Wyoming resident Breah Murray, who came to the ceremony with her husband and two children.
The commemorative service marking the Battle and Massacre of Wyoming began Saturday at 10 a.m. with a concert from the Wyoming Valley Band, leading into a delivery of the standards by the 28th Division Artillery of the Pennsylvania National Guard, and an invocation from the Rev. Thomas P. Looney, the president of King’s College. William Conyngham, a descendant of descendant of Col. Zebulon Butler, who commanded Patriot forces at the battle, was the master of ceremonies.
“It’s our nation’s 250th celebration,” Al Kircher, a 28-year veteran of the Marine Corps and a member of VFW Post 283 in Kingston, said. “And if it weren’t for the people in the Armed Forces, we wouldn’t be here. It’s just a matter of patriotism.”
The Battle of Wyoming occurred July 3, 1778. Over 300 Americans fighting for Patriot militia were defeated and killed in a Loyalists and Iroquois attack, with some killed after they were taken prisoner.
Marcella Starr, the president of the Wyoming Monument Association, delivered a welcome address for the ceremony, thanking the host of volunteer groups who work to organize the commemoration each year.
“We continue to hold title to the monument,” Starr said. “And we remain caretakers of these hallowed grounds.”
The 24th Connecticut Militia fires the first round of the volley tribute at the conclusion of the 148th annual commemorative service of the Battle and Massacre of Wyoming at the Wyoming Monument on Saturday, July 4, 2026. BILL TARUTIS / CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHER
William Lewis, III places floral tributes at the base of the Wyoming Monument during the 148th annual commemorative service of the Battle and Massacre of Wyoming on Saturday, July 4, 2026. BILL TARUTIS / CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHER
Members of the American Legion Black Diamond Post 395, Kingston, present the first of dozens of floral tributes to Dr. William Lewis, Jr. during the 148th annual commemorative service of the Battle and Massacre of Wyoming at the Wyoming Monument on Saturday, July 4, 2026. BILL TARUTIS / CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHER
The 24th Connecticut Militia fires the second round of the volley tribute at the conclusion of the 148th annual commemorative service of the Battle and Massacre of Wyoming at the Wyoming Monument on Saturday, July 4, 2026. BILL TARUTIS / CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHER
Members of the 28th Division Artillery present the standards during the 148th annual commemorative service of the Battle and Massacre of Wyoming at the Wyoming Monument on Saturday, July 4, 2026. BILL TARUTIS / CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHER
Lycoming College History Department Chair Christopher Pearl delivers the keynote address during the 148th annual commemorative service of the Battle and Massacre of Wyoming at the Wyoming Monument on Saturday, July 4, 2026. BILL TARUTIS / CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHER
The Wyoming Valley Band, under the direction of bandmaster Donald R. Williams, plays patriotic music during the 148th annual commemorative service of the Battle and Massacre of Wyoming at the Wyoming Monument on Saturday, July 4, 2026. BILL TARUTIS / CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHER
The 24th Connecticut Militia fires the third round of the volley tribute at the conclusion of the 148th annual commemorative service of the Battle and Massacre of Wyoming at the Wyoming Monument on Saturday, July 4, 2026. BILL TARUTIS / CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHER
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The 24th Connecticut Militia fires the first round of the volley tribute at the conclusion of the 148th annual commemorative service of the Battle and Massacre of Wyoming at the Wyoming Monument on Saturday, July 4, 2026. BILL TARUTIS / CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHER
The 24th Connecticut Militia reenactors gave a volley tribute during the ceremony.
Gary Snyder, a member of the 24th Connecticut Militia since 2003, said he was inspired to become a reenactor by his family history. Several of Snyder’s ancestors fought in the American Revolutionary War, with one, Elias Utt, having fought in and survived the Battle of Wyoming.
“A lot of people don’t realize the history of this valley,” Snyder said. “There’s a lot of misconceptions about the battle, about the area and I like to teach.”
Lycoming College Professor Christopher Pearl, the chair of the college’s history department, delivered the keynote address for the event. He noted that the Wyoming Valley was then contested between Pennsylvanian and Connecticut settlers, as well as patriots and loyalists. He called on attendees to reflect specifically on the struggles of Indigenous peoples and how they were impacted and harmed by the Revolution.
“Today, I want to invite you to think about this place and about this holiday through a slightly different lens – whose ground, whose independence?” Pearl said.
The Liberty Tree, a tulip poplar planted in 2023 as part of America250PA, grows near the Wyoming Monument during the 148th annual commemorative service of the Battle and Massacre of Wyoming on Saturday, July 4, 2026. BILL TARUTIS / CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHER
Bob Keiser said he was attending to honor his fifth great-grandfather John Abbott, who also fought in the Battle of Wyoming. While Abbott survived the battle and ensuing massacre, he was killed later in the Revolutionary War.
“I think it’s important that we come out to events like this, to remember these people,” said Jackie Keiser, Bob’s wife. “To remember the people who made this country. They were the start of it.”
Jonathan Vasquez, whose mother was at the ceremony serving with the National Guard, said he wanted to attend for his family and to reflect on the story of the battle, the Revolutionary War. Wearing an Army t-shirt, Vasquez, a 16 year old from Hazleton, said he planned to eventually join the U.S. Armed Forces.
“It’s not a bad experience, to come out and just look at what happened, the history of America,” Vasquez said. “I plan to go into the military…and serve our country.”
Jay Moral, also of Hazleton, came to the ceremony with Vasquez as part of a family trip. He said he wanted to attend service because he also had a family member serving in the color guard of the National Guard.
“We have so many different freedoms, but here…it gives us an idea of why America’s free,” Moral said. “Freedom is not free…freedom is a light that people die in the dark for.”