The West Pittston Historical Society hosted the 5th annual First to Fall ceremony on June 28 at the Jenkins Harding Cemetery. This event honored local Revolutionary War patriots with a dramatic presentation of the events leading up to the Battle of Wyoming in 1778. Benjamin and Stukley Harding, who were the first victims of the battle are buried in the Jenkins Harding Cemetery. Joining the program were members of the 24th Connecticut Militia reenactors who conducted a memorial service to the Harding’s in the cemetery after the presentation.
A member of the 24th Connecticut Militia fires a volley during the 5th annual First To Fall program presented by the West Pittston Historical Society on Sunday, June 28, 2026 at Jenkins Hardy Cemetery in West Pittston. (Dave Scherbenco / Contributing Photographer)
Dan Shaw, a member of the 24th Connecticut Militia, plays a flute during the 5th annual First To Fall program presented by the West Pittston Historical Society on Sunday, June 28, 2026 at Jenkins Hardy Cemetery in West Pittston. (Dave Scherbenco / Contributing Photographer)
Jason Hardy and his aunt, Jean Marie Hardy, who are relatives of Benjamin and Stukley Harding who are the subject of the 5th annual First To Fall program presented by the West Pittston Historical Society on Sunday, June 28, 2026 at Jenkins Hardy Cemetery in West Pittston. (Dave Scherbenco / Contributing Photographer)
Mary Portelli, President of the West Pittston Historical Society, addresses attendees at the 5th annual First To Fall program presented by the West Pittston Historical Society on Sunday, June 28, 2026 at Jenkins Hardy Cemetery in West Pittston.
(Dave Scherbenco / Contributing Photographer)
Members of the 24th Connecticut Militia fire a volley during the 5th annual First To Fall program presented by the West Pittston Historical Society on Sunday, June 28, 2026 at Jenkins Hardy Cemetery in West Pittston. (Dave Scherbenco / Contributing Photographer)
Visitors look over tombstones prior to the 5th annual First To Fall program presented by the West Pittston Historical Society on Sunday, June 28, 2026 at Jenkins Hardy Cemetery in West Pittston. (Dave Scherbenco / Contributing Photographer)
Visitors look over various tombstones after the 5th annual First To Fall program presented by the West Pittston Historical Society on Sunday, June 28, 2026 at Jenkins Hardy Cemetery in West Pittston. (Dave Scherbenco / Contributing Photographer)
Reenactor Mark Kahn portraying a fictional Rev. Entwhistle reads a prayer near the graves of Benjamin and Stukley Harding who are the subject of the First To Fall program presented by the West Pittston Historical Society on Sunday, June 28, 2026 at Jenkins Hardy Cemetery in West Pittston.
(Dave Scherbenco / Contributing Photographer)
John Ochman, a member of the 24th Connecticut Militia,
during the 5th annual First To Fall program presented by the West Pittston Historical Society on Sunday, June 28, 2026 at Jenkins Hardy Cemetery in West Pittston. (Dave Scherbenco / Contributing Photographer)
Jeff Evans with daughters, Jean and Rosalie, look over graves prior to the 5th annual First To Fall program presented by the West Pittston Historical Society on Sunday, June 28, 2026 at Jenkins Hardy Cemetery in West Pittston. (Dave Scherbenco / Contributing Photographer)
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A member of the 24th Connecticut Militia fires a volley during the 5th annual First To Fall program presented by the West Pittston Historical Society on Sunday, June 28, 2026 at Jenkins Hardy Cemetery in West Pittston. (Dave Scherbenco / Contributing Photographer)