History Lesson: Honoring veterans, even those who died long ago

HENDERSON, New York (WWNY) - It’s May 28, 1813, when American troops are preparing for battle against British forces on Lake Ontario.

That would be known as the Battle of Sackets Harbor, but before that could happen there was an unfortunate run-in between the two sides in Henderson.

“The British veteran troops could see behind them a force of American troops heading for Sackets Harbor,” historian and veteran Patrick Wilder said, “but they saw the British troops too, and turned to try to get away. The British went after them with Indians in canoes. The Americans tried to make it to the beach, to the gravel shoreline, but they were pursued by the Indians and many were killed in the forest. The remains of those who were killed were never found.

Around 40 soldiers were scalped and lost forever. Their remains are still a mystery.

“We don’t know exactly where this action took place,” Wilder said.

This loss fueled the fire for the following day when the Battle of Sackets Harbor took place and ended with an American victory.

“They were driven back by General Jacob Jennings Brown and others who managed to save the day by outfighting the British over the course of that hard-fought morning,” Wilder said.

As we observe Veterans Day on Saturday, historians say it’s important to remember our local wartime history.

“There were people who shed blood that made it all possible for us to have what we have as the United States of America,” Wilder said. “Veterans Day honors all veterans, and of course these young men who were killed on that day fall into that category and should be honored as such.”

Copyright 2023 WWNY. All rights reserved.