The Stillwater Blockhouse presented its annual Salute to All Veterans on Saturday, Nov. 9, in time for Veterans Day.

Many French & Indian War units and Native American groups gather every year to give a salute to all of our volunteers from the French & Indian War to the present military. Visitors got to see and hear what a actual battle was like.

Our commentator Rick Salazar explained what the units were doing and why, plus the importance of our area in history. Shortly after the salute, the Blockhouse was open to visitors and rein-actors alike. This year also included a Remembrance Program. This was made possible by Joseph Stuart, Boy Scout Troop 35. This was Joseph’s Eagle Scout project. He had chosen to put brick underneath our cannon. Joseph and his father Jeff worked very hard to put this together. This is something he can be very proud of.

During the Remembrance Memorial there were bricks representing our rein-actor groups who have participated in our events at the Blockhouse over the years, as well as our deceased members of these groups. Participating regiments included the 13th Albany County Militia, the New York Continentals (Army Cannon Crew), the Allies of Oquaga (Native), the North East Woodland Indians, Captain Terry’s Co. We have lost four rein-actors from these groups. They include William Fruech, who was our blind drummer. Bill was a French & Indian War, Revolutionary and Civil War rein-actor. Also lost was Carol Ann Colarusso, who belonged to the 13th Albany Co. Militia & Terry’s Company. She portrayed a camp follower and was a fantastic cook. Jim Fretius, who belonged to the New France French Marines, is also deceased. He often visited the 13th at the Blockhouse. And lastly, we lost Col. James Downey. He belonged to the New York provincial regiment of Suffolk Co. The commentator and planner of the veterans salute program was Phil Colarusso.